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

Sunday Service - Please

For just three months of the year Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness have Sunday trains. On a September Sunday the afternoon train from Inverness left Helmsdale carrying 33 passengers and arrived into Thurso at 20.20 with 29 on board. Some of these are students at the Technical College who, although preferring rail travel, have to go by bus in the winter.

The absence of a Sunday service most of the year inhibits longer distance weekend travel for locals, Orcadians, oilmen and visitors. FOFNL advocates a southbound Sunday train arriving in Inverness at 1800 giving an onward connection to Aberdeen, Central Scotland, with the option of the Sleeper south also available.

To compliment this service we wish to see a 1830 northbound Inverness - Wick train. This would give connections from beyond back to Ross, Sutherland and Caithness. Many younger people like to have the weekend away returning back to work on Sunday evening.

What do you think?

John Melling.