150th anniversary for Sutherland’s railway

HRH Prince Charles visited Dunrobin Castle station on August 8, to mark the 150th anniversary of The Duke of Sutherland’s railway. The railway is claimed to be the only part of the national rail network to have been planned, financed and opened by one person.

Running from Golspie to Helmsdale, and now part of the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick/Turso, it opened on May 16, 1871.

Dunrobin station, including platform and building, remains in the ownership of the Sutherland Estate, and is believed to be the only such station on the network.

Prince Charles was presented to the Earl of Sutherland and joined a reception where he met representatives of the railway industry before touring the station with the honorary station master Daniel BrittainCatlin.

The station serves Dunrobin Castle, near the village of Golspie in the Highland council area, but is only open during the summer when the castle itself is open.

PHOTOS: JOHN BAIKIE Prince Charles inspects some of the railwayana items inside Dunrobin Castle station on August 8, before unveiling a plaque commissioned by the National Transport Trust.