The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Prince ‘a natural’ after
Royal: Duke of Rothesay takes controls of restored steam locomotive
A historic Deeside steam engine had a royal visitor behind the controls to mark the culmination of a major restoration project yesterday.
The Duke of Rothesay delighted onlookers when he drove the restored locomotive on the Royal Deeside line, a route he travelled as a child, at Milton of Crathes, near Banchory.
His visit came nearly two
“He was also talking about how he recalls travelling on the line as a child”
years after the 1940s coach was targeted by vandals, causing damage worth about £10,000.
The culprits smashed the carriage’s double glass windows and wrecked a nearby locomotive engine.
Faced with such a vast repair bill, the volunteer Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society launched an appeal to help fund the repair costs.
The prince was quick to support the project, and through his charitable foundation helped the group raise £15,000.
Yesterday morning he arrived at the site to meet pupils from Hill of Banchory Primary School, who helped plant flowers by the side of the railway track last year.
The duke was then shown around the Victorian station, where he spoke to members of the society and discussed the history of the Royal Deeside railway line and the locomotives that used it.
He then unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit before donning a driver’s uniform and stepping into the cab alongside regular driver James West.
After a quick lesson on how to drive the locomotive, the royal guest gave the blast pipe two tugs as plumes of black smoke filled the air, before the engine reversed along the track for about a mile.
Mr West, who has driven steam engines for more than 20 years, said his temporary co-driver was a natural.
“It’s really great that, not only did he donate the money, but it was also great that he was willing to come and unveil it and come for a train ride – and even more fun that he had a go at driving it,” he said.