The Friends of the Far North Line are also celebrating the 150 years, and have invited MPs John Thurso and Charles Kennedy to join them at their talks and AGM at the National Hotel, Dingwall on 11 June. The meeting starts at 09.30 for 10.15 when there will be talks from David Simpson, Managing Director for Network Rail Scotland, and from Frank Roach, Partnership Manager with HiTrans. There will also be the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the station. The morning’s activities will be followed by an AGM at 12.15.

 

Over the 150 years the station has seen a number of changes, including the fact that the original station was replaced by the current stone building with its ornate finials in 1886. Over the years thousands of passengers have passed through the station, but also large numbers of livestock and fish.

 

The station is much smaller now, with only a keen eye able to see where sidings formerly stood. The engine shed and turntable have been replaced by housing and both signal boxes have gone. The last remains of the weighbridge and coal yard are only just visible in the area to the west of the station near the road. Shops have come and gone, and the building is currently occupied by the Station cafe and Christian bookshop. But the station continues to be active and to the east new railway workshops have been built.

 

If your visit to Dingwall station whets your appetite to find out more about the rail line you can go along to Muir of Ord on Saturday 16th June to see an exhibition in Tarradale School.

 

The Highland Rail Society will be selling copies of their book Inverness and Ross-shire Railway - which describes the line as far as Bonar Bridge at both events.