Requeststops

As a regular user of request stop stations on the Far North line from Inverness-thurso/ Wick, it will indeed be sad to see the end of the hand signals to stop the train (Scotsman, 1 January), but if it really will speed up the long journey (compared to road) electronic kiosks are to be welcomed. Visitors are always amazed that you put out your arm like hailing a bus and can’t believe it will actually work until it does.

Having said that, for 15 years I stayed at the station house at Scotscalder (one of the quietest of the request stops). The sight lines are poor for southbound drivers and with passengers a fairly rare sight the train was on rare occasions unable to stop in time. Years ago the train would back-up to the platform. This is now rather frowned upon.

I now look after Dunrobin Station where the great majority of passengers are from overseas visiting the castle. The hand signal has always been a mystery to them but any electronic button will need to have clear instructions in many languages.

It is more than possible that in future passengers will arrive at the station either not knowing about the device or finding out too late. Will hand signallers still be able to board the train?

In fact, the number of request stop stations in Scotland is comparatively small compared to both England and Wales. Over Great Britain there are well over a hundred. I imagine it will take some time to convert them all (if that is indeed the plan) so there should be still opportunities to practice the ancient art of waving down a train for some time.

DANIEL BRITTAIN-CATLIN

Dunrobin. Golspie, Highland