X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Far North Line


Far North Line

The line did become strategically important during World War I and World War II as part of a supply route for Scapa Flow, Orkney: Jellicoe's Express linked Thurso directly with London (Euston) and Portsmouth.

Beyond Golspie, the railway continues along the coast as far as Helmsdale, then inland up the Strath of Kildonan and then across the Flow Country to Halkirk and back to the east coast at Wick.

Like railway lines generally in Britain the line was not a product of any strategic plan, but was an ad hoc development, facilitated by Private Acts of Parliament (which were themselves a significant expense for developers) and dependent on cooperation between companies and individuals, each with their own private vested interests.


Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle railway station, on the Far North Line, was opened in 1870, as a private station for the castle.


see also

Invershin railway station

It is extremely close to the previous station on the line, at Culrain, situated at the opposite side of Shin Viaduct (or 'Oykel Viaduct'), a major structure on the Far North line which crosses the Kyle of Sutherland at its narrowest point.