Strathspey Steam Railway

30/03/2025

Did you travel on the Santa Train in 2024? Did you take any lovely photos?
We are currently working on plans for our 2025 Festive services and we are in need of some new images to be used for marketing purposes. We are particularly interested in pictures which feature the fabulous Elves we had onboard last year! If you would like to submit your images for consideration, please send them in an email to [email protected] (you can use WeTransfer if the file sizes are too large). If we use your image, you will be given a Family voucher, for standard travel, which will be valid until November 2nd 2025.
Please ensure you have parental consent for any children featured and permission from any other individuals in the photo. We look forward to seeing your submissions!
Please tag anyone you know, who may have images available :)

27/03/2025

Get ready for a fantastic weekend at Strathspey Railway!

We’re celebrating 200 years of train travel, and you’re invited to join us on March 28th, 29th, and 30th, for our special Ivatt Double Heading event, where two amazing steam locomotives will pull our trains together*.

Want to step back in time? Take a ride on our scenic Highland Heritage Railway. You can choose between standard and First-Class options. The views from our Observation carriage are simply stunning! Plus, you can enjoy a Light Lunch or treat yourself to Afternoon ‘Steam’ Tea.

Curious about the engines? You’ll see 46464 and 46512 in action. These two beauties are historic and packed with charm. Imagine the sound of steam and wheels as they chug along the tracks together!

This is your chance to see history come alive and make some great memories.

Grab your tickets now at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you onboard!

*We will aim to deliver this double heading event, with two steam engines hauling the services however, should any unavoidable operational issues arise, which make this not possible, it may be necessary to revert to one steam engine or a diesel hauled service.

06/03/2025

In this anniversary year, celebrating 200 years of train travel since 1825, we will be opening our season, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of March, with an unforgettable weekend at Strathspey Railway! Experience the thrill of our special Ivatt Double Heading event, where two stunning steam locomotives will work together to pull our services*.

Experience a nostalgic journey on a Highland Heritage Railway. With standard and First-Class options available. Take in the views from our Observation carriage. Enjoy a Light Lunch or indulge in Afternoon ‘Steam’ Tea. Visit www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk for tickets and timetables.

Ever wondered what it’s like to see two engines in action? You’ll get to witness the power of 46464 and 46512 as they team up! These historic engines, designed by George Ivatt just before the railways were nationalised, are a sight to behold.

46464, known as the 'Carmyllie Pilot', has a rich history. Withdrawn from service in 1966 and bought by Arbroath enthusiast Ian Fraser. Following a spell in storage, the engine was loaned to the newly formed Strathspey Railway and hauled the first steam passenger train in 1978. It was, however, in need of extensive maintenance work. The Carmyllie Pilot Company was formed in 2000 to restore and operate 46464. In 2018, we were invited to base the engine at the Strathspey Railway. Her restoration was completed in 2024.

And 46512? This reliable beauty was built in 1952, working the last passenger train on the Lianfyllin branch before facing the scrapyard. Thankfully she was rescued and has been part of many memorable journeys since her return to steam in 2000.

Both of these engines may be smaller in power class, but they’ve got heart and charm, making them perfect for our scenic heritage line. Picture the steam rising and the sound of wheels on the tracks as you ride along with us.

Don’t miss this chance to see history in motion and create lasting memories! Grab your tickets now and get ready for an amazing adventure. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

*We will aim to deliver this double heading event, with two steam engines hauling the services however, should any unavoidable operational issues arise, which make this not possible, it may be necessary to revert to one steam engine or a diesel hauled service.

05/03/2025

Are you looking for a rewarding experience? Strathspey Railway is on the hunt for new volunteer guards to join our team on our Heritage Trains!

So, what does a guard do? You’ll be the friendly face that keeps our passengers safe and happy. You’ll make sure we leave and arrive on time, help out passengers when needed, check tickets, operate doors, and handle any on-board emergencies, it is a safety critical role, the guard is responsible for the safety of the train and all staff and passengers on board. It’s a job where every day is different and full of excitement!

Want to get involved? We’re running a free Guards training course in April, and we’d love to have you on board! The initial training kicks off with an induction and Personal Track Safety session on Saturday, 5th April, from 10 am to 4 pm. Then, we’ll dive into the guards training course on Sunday, 6th April, and continue on the 19th and 20th, from 10 am to 5 pm. This will mainly be classroom-based training, but you will also get some hands-on experience, helping you gain practical skills. You’ll learn about shunting, coupling and uncoupling, emergency procedures, and more.

Progressing from this course, alongside our mentor guards, you’ll have the chance to qualify as a guard either vacuum brake (generally service train) and/or air brakes (Royal Scotsman and any railtours)! The minimum commitment required is one shift every 6 months – but many guards do around 4 turns per month, and many do more! Your availability is what matters most, and you will only be rostered for a shift on days when you say you are available. It usually takes around 6 months to a year to qualify, assuming no prior experience.

If you’re ready to embark on this exciting adventure, apply now and be part of our incredible team. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, learn new skills, and be part of something special. Don’t miss out – we can’t wait to see you!

Apply online and view more information about this role, on the volunteer page of our website: https://strathspeyrailway.co.uk/volunteering.html

23/02/2025

Strathspey Railway were recently featured in an article by the National Geographic as one of the 8 most scenic train journeys in the UK! 🚂🗻

UK rail is once again in the spotlight as the country marks the 200th anniversary of the world’s first public railway this year. Pay tribute to those early pioneers by riding the UK’s most scenic rails.

10/02/2025

Looking for something fun to do with the family this half term? How about a journey on a steam* train? 3 departures a day available between Saturday 15th & Sunday 23rd of February 2025. Visit our website for tickets and timetables www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

Hop on board our heritage steam train for a trip through the stunning Highlands. You’ll travel a lovely 10-mile route from Aviemore to Broomhill, passing through Boat of Garten. It’s like stepping back in time, with all the sights and sounds of a classic train journey.

Travel in a traditional standard heritage carriage. And guess what? Kids under five can ride for free! Plus, you can grab a special family discount ticket. Feeling peckish? There’s a trolley service with drinks and snacks, available to purchase, or you can bring your own picnic onboard.

Got a furry friend? Dogs are welcome in our standard carriages, dog tickets are only £3.

Have a wee day out, in standard travel you can break your journey, getting off at our destination station - Boat of Garten and spend some time exploring this pretty village, pick up an information leaflet and walking map at our station.

Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to our Observation carriage. It has panoramic windows for amazing views, comfy armchairs, and we’ll even serve you tea, coffee, and a wee snack.

Fancy a wee dram? Visit our onboard bar, with a variety of beverages available to purchase.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and make some memories on a steam* train that you won't forget!
Visit our website for tickets and timetables www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service.

09/02/2025

Join the Team at Strathspey Railway - Experience the Magic of Highland Steam!

How about working on a heritage steam train where every day feels like an adventure? We have some exciting positions open, and we want you to be part of it!

1. Catering Assistant/Front of House Staff
If you enjoy meeting people, this role is for you. You’ll help serve delicious meals to our passengers as they soak in the stunning views. Imagine being part of their journey as they create lasting memories over afternoon tea!
- What You Need: A friendly personality and a knack for customer service.
- Perks: We provide training and a uniform. Plus, you’ll have flexible hours with no evenings!
- Pay: £12.60 per hour
- Seasonal Position: March 28th - November 2nd, 2025

2. Cook
Do you love cooking? As our Cook, you will whip up tasty light lunches and afternoon teas. Picture yourself preparing scrumptious meals while the steam train chugs along the beautiful countryside.
- Perks: This is a full-time, permanent job with sociable hours—no late nights here!
- Salary: £27,000 per annum

3. Station Assistant
Want to keep things running smoothly? As a Station Assistant, you’ll ensure our carriages and station is clean and welcoming. You’ll help passengers board the train and answer their questions. It’s all about making their journey enjoyable!
- Perks: Part time, Flexible hours and no evening shifts, but weekend work is required.
- Pay: £12.60 per hour
- Seasonal Position: March 28th - November 2nd, 2025

4. Ticket Office/Gift shop Assistant
Do you like chatting with people? As a Ticket Office Assistant, you’ll sell tickets to walk-in customers and allocate seats for those who’ve pre-booked. You’ll also help out in the gift shop! Just imagine being the friendly face that welcomes everyone to their railway adventure.
- What You Need: Confidence with computers, as you’ll be using a digital booking system.
- Perks: Part time, Flexible hours but weekend work is required.
- Pay: £12.60 per hour
- Seasonal Position: March 28th - November 2nd, 2025

So, what do you think? If you want to work in a fun environment where you can meet new people and be part of an amazing experience, we’d love to hear from you. At Strathspey Railway, every day is a chance to create smiles and memories.

Ready to hop on board? Send your CV and a cover letter, detailing your availability, your interest in the position and any relevant experience to: [email protected]

These positions are based in Aviemore. *ACCOMMODATION IS NOT AVAILABLE*. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we are unable to support visa applications and you must have accommodation available. Accommodation is not provided.

29/01/2025

28/01/2025

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Strathspey Railway. Many of the people you see working here are volunteers but we are always looking for more. The extent of your commitment will be up to you. You may choose to come on a particular day (or days) each week, or perhaps you can only manage to come on an adhoc basis when you are available, your help will be invaluable and you will be made very welcome. Learn more about the various roles at the railway below, more info available on our dedicated web page https://strathspeyrailway.co.uk/volunteering.html

Tag a friend who would be perfect for one of these roles:

Guards: Guards are responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers on the train, ensuring timely departure and arrival, assisting passengers as required. The role involves working closely with the driver, inspecting tickets, operating doors, and dealing with any on board emergencies or passenger issues.

Station Team: These staff can be seen at our stations and onboard - Booking Clerks, Shop Assistants, Office Staff & Porters. The roles involve ticket issuing and checking, greeting passengers, responding to enquiries, telling passengers about our railways history, ensuring the carriages and public areas of the station are clean and presentable.

Locomotive Department: Loco volunteers start as trainee firemen, learning about engines and railway practices. They progress to driving steam locomotives under supervision. For diesel traction, they begin as trainee ‘2nd men’, then advance to driver training, ultimately taking charge of diesel-hauled trains on services and excursions.

Engineering Department: The Engineering Staff at Aviemore, work in our Engine shed, maintaining the engines and undertaking a large variety of engineering tasks. Jobs are available for those possessing engineering skills. However, previous knowledge is not essential, as work will be found to suit each volunteer.

Signallers: Signallers are responsible for the safe and timely operation of trains on the line from our three signal boxes.
Signal & Telegraph : S&T Technicians are responsible for maintaining, replacing and upgrading signalling and telecommunications equipment on our railway.

Outdoor Work: The Permanent Way squad maintains the track, bridges and fences along the Railway. The work can be strenuous, undertaken in all the weather the Highlands can offer! Less strenuous outdoor work is also available in the form of painting station buildings and signal boxes, or maintaining the station gardens.

As a volunteer at Strathspey Railway, you will be among people who have a great enthusiasm and passion for the Railway. We need YOUR help and enthusiasm. Help will be given with planning your visit, what to wear whilst on duty and where to report to on your first day.

As SRA members, volunteers are able to make use of our subsidised accommodation, at our volunteer hostel in Aviemore - Spey Lodge (subject to availability).

If you have some spare time and would like to help maintain our Heritage Railway for future generations, apply online: https://strathspeyrailway.co.uk/volunteering.html

17/01/2025

If you think a winter trip to the Cairngorms is only for winter sports enthusiasts, think again.

The Cairngorms is well known as an outdoor pursuits’ paradise, with skiing, hill walking and adrenaline-fuelled activities on the cards, but there is another less energetic side to the UK’s largest National Park which makes it the perfect winter travel destination. VisitCairngorms have compiled this list of 6 things to do in the Cairngorms which are suitable for everyone, including of course the steam railway!

Whisky, railways and reindeer: 6 great things to do in the Cairngorms in winter.