The main lines of the Highland Railway
The Highland Railway was one of the smaller British railways before the Railways Act 1921 , operating north of Perth railway station in Scotland and serving the farthest north of Britain. Based in Inverness , the company was formed by merger in 1865, absorbing over 249 miles (401 km) of line. It continued to expand, reaching Wick and Thurso in the north and Kyle of Lochalsh in the west, eventually serving the counties of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty, Inverness, Perth, Nairn, Moray and Banff. Southward it connected with the Caledonian Railway at Stanley Junction, north of Perth, and eastward with the Great North of Scotland Railway at Boat of Garten, Elgin, Keith and Portessie.[ 1]
In 1923, the company passed on approximately 494 miles (795 km) of line as it became part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway . Although its shorter branches have closed, former Highland Railway lines remain open from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, Keith (as part of the Aberdeen to Inverness Line ), as well as the direct main line south to Perth.
Main line
The Highland Railway main line between Inverness and Perth, which opened in 1863, left the Caledonian Railway at Stanley and then ran north over the Grampian Mountains . After 1898 the line followed a more direct route via Carrbridge , leaving the earlier line via Forres at a junction at Aviemore .
Between 1865 and 1965 the Highland operated one branch from Ballinluig to Aberfeldy .
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Perth
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
22 May 1842
Opened as Perth General, Joint station, renamed 1952.
Luncarty
4 mi 16 chains (6.8 km)
2 August 1848
18 June 1951
Caledonian Railway station
Strathord
5 mi 12 chains (8.3 km)
2 August 1848
13 April 1931
Opened as Dunkeld Road, renamed Strathord siding 1 February 1857, the 'siding' was dropped August 1866. Caledonian Railway station
Stanley
7 mi 18 chains (11.6 km)
2 August 1848
11 June 1956
Caledonian Railway station, Highland Railway main line left Caledonian line here.
Murthly
10 mi 28 chains (16.7 km)
7 April 1856
3 May 1965
Rohallion
7 April 1856
October 1864
Dunkeld & Birnam
15 mi 45 chains (25.0 km)
7 April 1856
Renamed Dunkeld in 1861; name been changed from Dunkeld & Birnam to Dunkeld and back again several times
Dalguise
20 mi 23 chains (32.6 km)
1 June 1863
3 May 1965
Guay
21 mi 36 chains (34.5 km)
1 June 1863
3 August 1959
Ballinluig
23 mi 44 chains (37.9 km)
1 June 1863
3 May 1965
Junction for Aberfeldy branch from 1865 to 1965.
Pitlochry
28 mi 36 chains (45.8 km)
1 June 1863
Killiecrankie
32 mi 16 chains (51.8 km)
1865
3 May 1965
Blair Atholl
35 mi 20 chains (56.7 km)
9 September 1863
Opened as Blair Athole, renamed 7 September 1893
Black Island Platform
36 mi 16 chains (58.3 km)
11 April 1959
Private
Struan
39 mi 65 chains (64.1 km)
9 September 1863
3 May 1965
Dalanraoch
44 mi 49 chains (71.8 km)
Dalnaspidal
50 mi 79 chains (82.1 km)
1865
3 May 1965
Dalwhinnie
53 mi 0 chains (85.3 km)
9 September 1863
Newtonmore
68 mi 58 chains (110.6 km)
9 September 1863
Kingussie
71 mi 48 chains (115.2 km)
9 September 1863
Kincraig
77 mi 33 chains (124.6 km)
9 September 1863
18 October 1965
Opened as Boat of Insch, renamed 1 September 1871
Aviemore
79 mi 49 chains (128.1 km)
3 August 1863
Junction for Forres line.
Carrbridge
90 mi 2 chains (144.9 km)
6 July 1892
Opened as Carr Bridge, renamed 16 May 1983
Tomatin
98 mi 79 chains (159.3 km)
8 July 1897
3 May 1965
Moy
103 mi 10 chains (166.0 km)
8 July 1897
3 May 1965
Daviot
107 mi 4 chains (172.3 km)
8 July 1897
3 May 1965
Culloden Moor
111 mi 27 chains (179.2 km)
1 November 1898
3 May 1965
Inverness
117 mi 78 chains (189.9 km)
5 November 1855
Aberfeldy branch
The Aberfeldy branch left the main line at Ballinluig. The line opened on 3 July 1865 and was closed to passengers on 3 May 1965.
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Ballinluig
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On main line, 23 mi 44 chains (37.9 km) from Perth
Balnaguard [ a]
2 mi 11 chains (3.4 km)
2 December 1935
3 May 1965
Grandtully
4 mi 27 chains (7.0 km)
3 July 1865
3 May 1965
Aberfeldy
8 mi 59 chains (14.1 km)
3 July 1865
3 May 1965
Keith and Aviemore to Inverness
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Keith Junction
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
18 August 1858
GnoSR station had opened 10 October 1856. Renamed Keith Junction by LMS, renamed Keith 12 May 1980. Junction with the Portessie branch
Tauchers Platform [ a]
3 mi 70 chains (6.2 km)
After 1923
7 December 1964
Mulben
4 mi 75 chains (7.9 km)
18 August 1858
7 December 1964
Orton
8 mi 27 chains (13.4 km)
18 August 1858
7 December 1964
From 1858 the Morayshire Railway operated a branch to Rothes. Through services operated until 1862 and services were withdrawn in 1866.
Orbliston Junction
11 mi 61 chains (18.9 km)
23 October 1858
Opened as Fochabers, renamed in 1893, when the junction to Fochabers Town opened, and renamed Orbliston in 1960.
Lhanbryde
14 mi 54 chains (23.6 km)
18 August 1858
7 December 1964
Elgin
18 mi 5 chains (29.1 km)
25 March 1858
Morayshire had opened their station 10 August 1852, and the two stations were linked. The GNoSR reached here in xxx.
Mosstowie
21 mi 24 chains (34.3 km)
25 March 1858
7 March 1955
Alves
23 mi 21 chains (37.4 km)
25 March 1858
3 May 1965
Junction for Burghead and Hopeman branch.
Kinloss
27 mi 8 chains (43.6 km)
25 March 1858
3 May 1965
Moved in 1860 when Findhorn branch opened, moved back in 1904
Forres
30 mi 20 chains (48.7 km)
25 March 1858
Moved in 1863, when line to Perth opened. Junction with line from Aviemore, continues to Inverness.
Station
Distance from Perth
Opened
Closed
Notes
Aviemore
79 mi 49 chains (128.1 km)
3 August 1863
Junction for Direct line via Carrbridge
Boat of Garten
88 mi 44 chains (142.5 km)
3 August 1863
18 October 1965
Joint station with GnoSR. Heritage Railway
Broomhill
92 mi 55 chains (149.2 km)
3 August 1863
18 October 1965
Broomhill for Nethy Bridge in some timetables
Grantown on Spey West
95 mi 76 chains (154.4 km)
3 August 1863
18 October 1965
Opened as Grantown, renamed Grantown-on-Spey 1912, West added 1950
Castle Grant Platform
98 mi 21 chains (158.1 km)
3 August 1863
Private
Dava
104 mi 32 chains (168.0 km)
6 February 1905
18 October 1965
Dunphail
110 mi 58 chains (178.2 km)
3 August 1863
18 October 1965
Rafford
3 August 1863
31 May 1865
Forres
119 mi 24 chains (192.0 km)
Joins line from Keith
Brodie
122 mi 55 chains (197.4 km)
22 December 1857
3 May 1965
Auldearn
126 mi 31 chains (203.4 km)
10 March 1905
6 June 1960
Nairn
128 mi 63 chains (207.3 km)
5 November 1855
Gollanfield
134 mi 28 chains (216.2 km)
5 November 1855
3 May 1965
Opened as Fort George, renamed Gollanfield Junction 1899 and renamed Gollanfield 1959.
Dalcross
137 mi 10 chains (220.7 km)
5 November 1855
3 May 1965
Castle Stuart Platform
138 mi 23 chains (222.6 km)
Private
Allanfearn
140 mi 46 chains (226.2 km)
5 November 1855
3 May 1965
Opened as Culloden, renamed 1898
Inverness
143 mi 75 chains (231.6 km)
5 November 1855
Portessie branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Keith Junction
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
Aultmore
2 mi 27 chains (3.8 km)
1 August 1884
9 August 1915
Opened as Forgie, renamed 1899.
Enzie
5 mi 63 chains (9.3 km)
1 August 1884
9 August 1915
Drybridge Platform
10 mi 03 chains (16.2 km)
1 August 1884
9 August 1915
Rathven
11 mi 29 chains (18.3 km)
1864
14 September 1931
Opened as Wards, renamed Coltfield 1865, and Coltfield Platform about 1880.
Buckie
12 mi 26 chains (19.8 km)
23 December 1862
14 September 1931
Portessie
13 mi 64 chains (22.2 km)
10 October 1892
14 September 1931
.
Junction with GNoSR
13 mi 71 chains (22.3 km)
Fochabers branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Orbliston Junction
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Keith to Inverness line, 11 miles 61 chains (18.9 km) from Keith
Balnacoul Halt
2 mi 19 chains (3.6 km)
14 September 1931
Fochabers Town
3 mi 00 chains (4.8 km)
23 October 1893
14 September 1931
Opened as Fochabers, renamed in 1894.
Burghead and Hopeman branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Alves
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Keith to Inverness line, 23 miles 21 chains (37.4 km) from Keith
Coltfield
2 mi 20 chains (3.6 km)
1864
14 September 1931
Opened as Wards, renamed Coltfield 1865, and Coltfield Platform about 1880.
Burghead
5 mi 37 chains (8.8 km)
23 December 1862
14 September 1931
Station moved in 1892, distance shown for original station
Hopeman
7 mi 5 chains (11.4 km)
10 October 1892
14 September 1931
Closed between 1917 and 1918/9.
Findhorn branch
An independent company built and opened the railway, and the line was taken over by the Inverness & Aberdeen Junction Railway 1862. The line was closed by the Highland in 1869.
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Kinloss
0 mi (0 km)
On Keith to Inverness line, 27 miles 8 chains (43.6 km) from Keith
Findhorn
3 mi (4.8 km)
18 April 1860
1 January 1869
Fort George branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Gollanfield Junction
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Aviemore to Inverness line, 134 miles 28 chains (216.2 km) from Perth
Fort George
134 mi 28 chains (216.2 km)
1 July 1899
5 April 1943
Restricted service after 1943
Far North Line
The Far North Line between Inverness and Wick and Thurso opened in stages between 1862 and 1874. As well as the Kyle of Lochalsh Line that branches at Dingwell, the Black Isle Branch left at Muir of Ord for Fortrose, the Dornoch Light Railway left at The Mound for Dornoch and the Wick & Lybster Light Railway ran from Wick to Lybster.
Station
Distance from Perth
Opened
Closed
Notes
Inverness
117 mi 34 chains (189.0 km)
5 November 1855
Bunchrew
121 mi 34 chains (195.4 km)
11 June 1862
13 June 1960
Lentran
123 mi 45 chains (198.9 km)
11 June 1862
13 June 1960
Reopened briefly during March 1982
Clunes
124 mi 29 chains (200.1 km)
1864
Beauly
127 mi 67 chains (205.7 km)
11 June 1862
13 June 1960
Reopened 2002
Muir of Ord
130 mi 61 chains (210.4 km)
11 June 1862
Junction for the Black Isle Branch . Closed 1960–76.
Conon
133 mi 78 chains (215.6 km)
11 June 1862
13 June 1960
Reopened 2013 as Conon Bridge
Dingwall
136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km)
11 June 1862
Junction for Kyle of Lochalsh Line
Foulis
140 mi 51 chains (226.3 km)
23 May 1863
13 June 1960
Opened as Fowlis, renamed 1916
Evanton
142 mi 58 chains (229.7 km)
23 May 1863
13 June 1960
Opened as Novar, renamed 1937
Alness
146 mi 25 chains (235.5 km)
23 May 1863
Closed 1960–73
Invergordon
149 mi 12 chains (240.0 km)
23 May 1863
Delny
152 mi 53 chains (245.7 km)
1 June 1864
13 June 1960
Kildary
154 mi 35 chains (248.5 km)
1 June 1864
13 June 1960
Opened as Parkhill, renamed May 1868
Nigg
156 mi 79 chains (252.6 km)
1 June 1864
13 June 1960
Fearn
158 mi 34 chains (255.0 km)
1 June 1864
Tain
162 mi 0 chains (260.7 km)
1 June 1864
Edderton
167 mi 29 chains (269.3 km)
1 October 1864
13 June 1960
West Fearn Platform [ a]
172 mi 78 chains (278.4 km)
1926
1928
Briefly open as Mid Fearn Halt in 1864/5
Ardgay
175 mi 43 chains (282.5 km)
1 October 1864
Bonar Bridge until May 1977
Culrain
178 mi 51 chains (287.5 km)
1871
Invershin
179 mi 7 chains (288.2 km)
13 April 1868
Lairg
184 mi 49 chains (297.1 km)
13 April 1868
Rogart
194 mi 47 chains (313.2 km)
13 April 1868
Closed 1960/1
The Mound
198 mi 44 chains (319.5 km)
13 April 1868
13 June 1960
Junction for the Dornoch Light Railway .
Golspie
202 mi 6 chains (325.2 km)
13 April 1868
Dunrobin
203 mi 72 chains (328.1 km)
1 November 1870
Private after 1871, closed 1965. Reopened for irregular services after 1985
Brora
208 mi 15 chains (335.0 km)
19 June 1871
Loth
213 mi 39 chains (343.6 km)
19 June 1871
13 June 1960
Helmsdale
219 mi 10 chains (352.6 km)
19 June 1871
Salzcraggie Platform
221 mi 70 chains (357.1 km)
28 July 1874
29 November 1965
Restricted use after 1907
Kildonan
228 mi 52 chains (368.0 km)
28 July 1874
Borrobol
232 mi 42 chains (374.2 km)
1878
29 November 1965
Known as Borrobol Platform until 1962
Kinbrace
235 mi 71 chains (379.6 km)
28 July 1874
Forsinard
243 mi 34 chains (391.8 km)
28 July 1874
Altnabreac
251 mi 56 chains (405.1 km)
28 July 1874
Scotscalder
260 mi 61 chains (419.7 km)
28 July 1874
Halkirk
263 mi 39 chains (424.0 km)
28 July 1874
Georgemas Junction
264 mi 79 chains (426.5 km)
28 July 1874
Junction for Thurso
Bower
267 mi 59 chains (430.9 km)
28 July 1874
13 June 1960
Watten
271 mi 50 chains (437.1 km)
28 July 1874
13 June 1960
Bilbster
275 mi 7 chains (442.7 km)
28 July 1874
13 June 1960
Wick
279 mi 14 chains (449.3 km)
28 July 1874
Black Isle branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Muir of Ord
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Far North Line, 130 mi 61 chains (210.4 km) from Perth
Redcastle
3 mi 58 chains (6.0 km)
1 February 1894
1 October 1951
Allangrange
5 mi 39 chains (8.8 km)
1 February 1894
1 October 1951
Munlochy
8 mi 02 chains (12.9 km)
1 February 1894
1 October 1951
Avoch
11 mi 25 chains (18.2 km)
1 February 1894
1 October 1951
Fortrose
13 mi 45 chains (21.8 km)
1 February 1894
1 October 1951
Dornoch Light Railway
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
The Mound
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Far North Line, 198 mi 44 chains (319.5 km) from Perth
Cambusavie Halt
1 mi 28 chains (2.2 km)
2 June 1902
13 June 1960
Skelbo
3 mi 60 chains (6.0 km)
2 June 1902
13 June 1960
Embo
5 mi 33 chains (8.7 km)
2 June 1902
13 June 1960
Dornoch
7 mi 51 chains (12.3 km)
2 June 1902
13 June 1960
Georgemas Branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Georgemas Junction
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Far North Line, 264 miles 79 chains (426.5 km) from Perth
Hoy
0 mi 75 chains (1.5 km)
28 July 1874
29 November 1965
Thurso
6 mi 52 chains (10.7 km)
28 July 1874
Wick & Lybster Light Railway
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Wick
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
On Far North Line, 279 miles 14 chains (449.3 km) from Perth
Thrumster
4 mi 32 chains (7.1 km)
1 July 1903
1 April 1944
Welsh's Crossing Halt
6 mi 52 chains (10.7 km)
1 April 1944
Ulbster
7 mi 47 chains (12.2 km)
1 July 1903
1 April 1944
Mid Clyth
9 mi 52 chains (15.5 km)
1 July 1903
1 April 1944
Roster Road Halt
10 mi 09 chains (16.3 km)
c. 1938
1 April 1944
Occumster
12 mi 32 chains (20.0 km)
1 July 1903
1 April 1944
Parkside Halt
12 mi 72 chains (20.8 km)
c. 1938
1 April 1944
Lybster
13 mi 63 chains (22.2 km)
1 July 1903
1 April 1944
Kyle of Lochalsh Line
The Kyle of Lochalsh Line leaves the Far North Line at Dingwall. Between 1885 and 1946 a branch left the line at Fodderty Junction, 138 miles 56 chains (223.2 km) from Perth. The line was diverted in 1954, as part of a hydro electric project that raised the level of Loch Luichart , the distances are measured from Perth via this new line.
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Dingwall
136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km) from Perth on Far North Line
Achterneed
141 mi 7 chains (227.1 km)
19 August 1870
7 December 1965
Opened as Strathpeffer, renamed 1885.
Garve
148 mi 23 chains (238.6 km)
19 August 1870
Lochluichart
153 mi 44 chains (247.1 km)
1 August 1871
Station and line moved in 1954
Achanalt
157 mi 74 chains (254.2 km)
19 August 1870
Achnasheen
164 mi 24 chains (264.4 km)
19 August 1870
Glencarron
172 mi 52 chains (277.9 km)
1 August 1871
7 December 1964
Opened as Glencarron Platform, renamed 1962
Achnashellach
176 mi 66 chains (284.6 km)
1871
Strathcarron
182 mi 23 chains (293.4 km)
19 August 1870
Attadale
184 mi 49 chains (297.1 km)
1880
Stromeferry
189 mi 42 chains (305.0 km)
19 August 1870
Duncraig [ a]
193 mi 36 chains (311.3 km)
23 May 1949
Opened as Duncraig platform, renamed 1962. Closed between 1964 and 1976
Plockton
194 mi 49 chains (313.2 km)
2 November 1897
Duirinish
196 mi 3 chains (315.5 km)
2 November 1897
Kyle of Lochalsh
200 mi 6 chains (322.0 km)
2 November 1897
Strathpeffer Branch
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Dingwall
136 mi 34 chains (219.6 km) from Perth on Far North Line
Strathpeffer
141 mi 14 chains (227.2 km)
3 June 1885
23 February 1946
Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway
The Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway was an isolated branch from Spean Bridge that was worked by the Highland from when it opened in 1903 until 1 May 1907, when the North British Railway took over.
Station
Distance
Opened
Closed
Notes
Spean Bridge
0 mi 0 chains (0 km)
7 August 1894
Gairlochy
2 mi 58 chains (4.4 km)
22 July 1903
1 December 1933
Closed 1911–13
Invergloy Platform
7 mi 29 chains (11.8 km)
22 July 1903
1 December 1933
Closed 1911–13
Invergarry
15 mi 12 chains (24.4 km)
22 July 1903
1 December 1933
Closed 1911–13
Aberchalder
19 mi 34 chains (31.3 km)
22 July 1903
1 December 1933
Closed 1911–13
Fort Augustus
23 mi 19 chains (37.4 km)
22 July 1903
1 December 1933
Closed 1911–13
Fort Augustus Pier
24 mi 16 chains (38.9 km)
22 July 1903
1 October 1906
Notes and references
^ a b c d Opened after the HR had become part of the LMS
References
Sources
Butt, R. V. J. (1995). The Directory of Railway Stations: details every public and private passenger station, halt, platform and stopping place, past and present (1st ed.). Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-85260-508-1 .
Vallance, H. A. (27 June 1991). Great North of Scotland railway. The History of the Railways of the Scottish Highlands vol 3 . David St John Thomas. ISBN 978-0-946537-60-0 .
Vallance, H.A.; Clinker, C.R. (1971). The Highland Railway . Pan Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-330-02720-5 .
External links