Chuffed about railway plans

● Volunteers steaming ahead with project to further extend historic line

Astretch of Aberdeenshire railway that closed decades ago will be brought back to life by a band of volunteers.

The Royal Deeside Railway was shut down in 1966 as a result of the notorious Beeching Report, ending more than a century of service.

But a preservation society was formed in the 1990s to keep alive the memory of the line which ran alongside the Dee.

Rail enthusiasts have been able to sample the traditional transport since 2007 on a mile-long stretch of track at Milton of Crathes, along with an awardwinning Victorian station and a railway carriage tearoom.

But now the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society is raising money to extend the route all the way to

Banchory to give tourists an enhanced experience.

The group is reclaiming part of the Deeside Way path, which is popular with cyclists and walkers, for its project.

A new platform has been completed at the Birkenbaud lay-by, which will open later this year.

Now a local blacksmith is building a new bridge at the Burn of Bennie – the first to be constructed on the Deeside line since 1853.

Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society volunteer Michael

Rasmussen, said: “It is a super project. We are so excited about the work on the cards for the coming years.

“We’ve had a lot of gifts and help, for example plant hire firm McIntosh of Echt have been tremendous, and a blacksmith is busy making the bridge for no charge as we speak.

“We would still appreciate any other donations, sponsorship or volunteers to help us work on the line.

“In the future, there is the potential to expand the line even further in the Aberdeen direction – but this will depend on funds.”

The new bridge will be lifted into place by crane and, after this, a further half mile of track will bring the line to almost two miles.

The preservation society has expressed its gratitude to Shell Expo, Messrs Fairhurst and Partners, the Leys Estate and McIntosh of Echt for their support withtheproject.

“It is a super project. We are so excited about the work that’s on the cards”