scotland (4K)
The Friends of the Far North Line
Cairdean Na Loine Tuath
the campaign group for rail north of Inverness - lobbying for improved services for the local user, tourist and freight operator

Advance notice of 2009 AGM

The AGM will be held in the Helmsdale Community Centre, Monday, 27 July 2009 commencing at 1000. Our speakers will be President John Thurso MP, John Swinney MSP, Steve Montgomery, MD, First ScotRail, David Simpson, Route Director, Network Rail, Inspector Bob Cameron BTP and Frank Roach. The formal AGM will commence at 1215.

For lunch there are a variety of eating places in Helmsdale; La Mirage, The Green Stag at the Bridge Hotel, Belgrave Arms Hotel, Bannockburn Inn, and the Timespan Cafe.

Several afternoon excursions would be possible after the AGM for those travelling from the south by immediately catching the 13.09 train further north from Helmsdale after the AGM.

These are:

  1. A three hour walk by alighting at the isolated iconic station at Altnabreac.
  2. Three and a half hours to visit the RSPB bird reserve at Forsinard and sample the local hostelry.
  3. Four hours to try panning for gold in the burn at Baile an Or which is 15 minutes walk from Kildonan station.

These would all be dependent on it being a favourable day weather-wise, so it would be a "happening" rather than anything pre-arranged. (Gold pans can be hired in Helmsdale, but there would be a problem getting them back to the shop, so members are advised to bring their own.)