Alford Valley revival gathers pace after lease is secured

ALFORD Valley Community Railway (AVCR) has confirmed its lease from Aberdeenshire Council had been finalised, thus ending increasing concern over delays by the authority in completing the lease (RM, August).

With access to Alford station, loco shed and the railway route secured, no time was lost in starting to clear Alford station and yard of undergrowth which had engulfed the site since the 2ft gauge line ceased operating in 2018.

Efforts to revive the railway have been further boosted by a benefactor who has bought the majority of rolling stock, including Lister 4wDM 3198/1930 Hamewith, Keef 0-4-0 steam outline 63/2001 James Gordon and carriages to enable them to be brought back into use. Another benefactor has placed the line’s Motor Rail 4wDM (converted to steam outline) The Bra´ Lass on permanent loan to AVCR. On August 31 volunteers started the engine following five years out of use.