This viaduct was,of course, never built for a cycle route, but for the Dunblane to Oban railway line back around 1870. The line was sadly axed in the Beeching era in the latter part of 1965, though,happily, the track bed has now taken on a positive use: walkers could probably tackle sections of it in best shoes!!.
Beeching was only carrying out the will of his political masters when he proposed the closure of so many branch lines across the length & breadth of Britain. The aim was to save money as soon as possible on lines losing money: the car was having a powerful effect on people's travelling habits & many services were very under-used. There were no thoughts in those days about a future in which railways would play a vital & more significant role in both commuting & in leisure, with the car being marginalised.
In the Highlands, losing lines as scenic as the one above, was a tragedy, but we can rejoice in those that were earmarked for closure, but survived--- Kyle of Lochalsh,Wick/Thurso, Fort William/Mallaig.
Using the train to see the beauty of the Highlands, has now become a year-round activity, perhaps led by our senior citizens, living longer & having the time & money to do so.There are many initiatives & incentives to take the train, senior railcards & Club 55 to mention but two. People in Pitlochry can now use a special bus service to take them to Rannoch station, whence the train will take them on to Fort William & Mallaig or to Loch Lomond & the Clyde Coast.
It was said, back in the early 60's, that it would have been cheaper to buy all regular users of the Kyle Line a new car than to keep the line open. Thank God sense prevailed!! Long live our wonderful Highland Railways & good luck to the new line being constructed in the Borders.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment