Following the news that planning permission has been granted for their Grantown extension, the Strathspey Railway has announced plans for a carriage maintenance facility at Aviemore.

Subject to planning permission being granted by Highland Council the new single road building will be constructed adjacent to the locomotive shed. The building is planned to be able to accommodate two coaches at any one time with ample working space around them and with stores off the working area.

Assuming that permission is granted the new facility will fill a long recognised need to have covered accommodation specifically dedicated to carriage maintenance. At present this is carried out in the open or in the locomotive shed neither of which is satisfactory from the Carriage and Wagon Departments point of view. Some realignment of the shed approach roads is likely to be required and this is expected to be carried out during the coming summer.

The project, which is Number One priority in the Company’s recently approved “Forward Plan” for the next five years, is likely to cost around £95,000 for which an appeal has been launched. The company is also expected to make an approach to the local enterprise company for funding. Donations in support of the project can be made by contacting Douglas Norris, Finance Director, Strathspey Railway Co. Ltd., Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore, Inverness-shire PH22 1PY or by e.mail at finance.director@strathspeyrailway.co.uk

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Enquiries: Ron Black - 01389-752214 or  e.mail ron.black@strathspeyrailway.co.uk 

a/src4/pressrelease/release41    Registered in Scotland No. 49011  Registered Office:  Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, PH22 1PY