Contents of the online version:
Letters, e-mails and comments are welcome.
Contact Details & How to Subscribe to the Paper
Sign our Guestbook
All photos are copyright either of the individual photographers or West Word.
Not to be reproduced without permission.
A very Happy Birthday from everyone at West Word to our railway columnist Sonia, who celebrated her 80th recently!
Our website has a had a bit of an upgrade and all the new issues from now on will be on responsive pages, so they will look good and be easy to read regardless of whether you're viewing on a phone, tablet or PC. Nice new colour scheme to match the banner, too! Thanks to our webmaster for sorting it out.
Stop press! As I've been writing this, I've heard that Pawel Cymbalista has been successful in his attempt to beat the record for the Ben Nevis 24 Hour challenge, having completed seven reps in a time of 20hrs 40mins! (See News in Brief for more.) Congratulations Pawel!
My thanks, as always, to Morag and Ewen for helping with the printing.
Kirsty Bloom
It's been a beautiful month, with quite a lot of sunshine, some refreshing swims, flowers blooming and a truly spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis (which, guttingly, I slept right through!). The millions of photos from everyone else who managed NOT to miss it though were absolutely amazing. We really are beyond lucky to live in such an unpolluted part of the world. The hall has also seen some cracking music nights this month, with Daimh, Church Street Shuffle, and Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton and Owen Sinclair, as well as a talk on the supernatural history of the Highlands and Islands by South Uist historian and musician Allan Henderson. Rangers Finlay and Costi managed to do some "plant stalking" to find some rare flowers - Mountain Avens - which are actually an arctic alpine species. They were lucky enough to find a thriving population of over 50 plants growing on a loose cliff side at Slochd a Mhoga!
Dave Matthews has started up a pop up vegan cafe, open on Saturdays only, at the Tearoom from 7.30am til 3pm, where he's been doing a roaring trade in 100% vegan goodies, from full cooked breakfasts to delicious lunches and coffee and cakes.
The underground cable installation works have begun and hopefully will be completed by the end of June and the battery storage system which will be incorporated onto the network later this year is currently being designed and made in Edinburgh by company Stortera.
Rhoddie bashing has been on going by Danny and Brendan, continuing to eradicate as much new Rhododendron Ponticum growth as possible, and they have now also started on the bracken weeding at the newly planted sites.
Jenny and Ben, of the bunkhouse and E-Bike hire are trying to promote more business, with their new "Grand day out" venture, where you can hop on the 10.15 ferry, get your e-bikes at the pier, set off exploring the various (and all) fantastic adventures which can be done in a few hours with the power of an E-bike and get you back in time for a pint and the last ferry, which opens up the exploration of Knoydart without having to find accommodation which can be difficult in the summer months when things are often booked out well in advance.
Heather Robb
May is Canna 10K month here in Canna! We had a record number of trail runners - 74! The run went extremely well and we were blessed with a bit of sunshine and dry conditions. The runners start at New House, go out along to Tarbert field before coming back along the road and over the bridge to Sanday, out around to St Edwards and back along the shore road to the finish line at the Farm Square. The fastest runner completed it in just over 38 minutes. Very impressive!
The BBQ afterwards was popular and Dod, David and Rebecca did a brilliant job of ensuring everyone got their tasty treats and got their energy back. There was then some downtime for people to explore the island - many folk took to Sanday Beach for a post run dip in our cool, azure, Hebridean waters.
Doors for the ceilidh opened at 7pm and The Shearing Shed was soon jumping and dancing to the tunes of the Eigg Ceilidh Band. One runner described his experience of the ceilidh as "bonkers". John Angus played the pipes in the interlude before the raffle bonanza took place. Prizes included "Rent a Ranger" walks, stays at Tighard, meals at Cafe Canna and even guinea pig cuddling!
All the feedback we have received from our runners and visitors has been really positive and we can now enjoy a short breather over the summer months before we start planning for next year!
Ranger Tom did the first of his organised beach cleans. We managed to get about 20 bags of marine litter picked up in a few hours and the bags were taken along to our designated marine litter skip. There are more organised beach cleans coming up over the coming months so if you are visiting Canna, please feel free to join in with those. Dates and information will be up on the Canna website soon. There is now a marine litter bin at the Canna Community Shop where visitors can put items picked up from the shore during their visit if the notion takes them. It all helps!
Various projects are now moving along apace here in Canna. Canna House Project is now at the internal fixing stage and over the summer, the collections team will begin the process of taking things back to the house. The new Visitor Hub is taking shape too with windows and doors now installed. Electricians have been on site connecting everything and prepping for final fixes including a new PV array which will be on the roof adding extra energy into the Canna grid.
The fields are now full of rapidly growing lambs and semi-tired looking ewes. The lambs are skipping about and playing in small flocks delighting everyone. The calves are coming on too and the Red Beltie calves are proving a real hit!
Margaret Willington
Humming along with the delights of May, always our busiest month for overnight visitors keen to avoid the midges and get the best that Rum has to offer; accommodation has been pretty much booked up all month.
Ali, Sean and Josephine, deer researchers extraordinaire are busy over at Kilmory, with the calving season underway. Josephine is planning another talk in the village hall about the amazing history and science of the red deer project, the longest running large mammal study in the world!! So very amazing, if you didn't know already. Sean is too busy to give his usual bird and wildlife update so expect more next month, when he's finished tagging calves.
In nature reserve news, the lovely new ponies that arrived earlier this year have been settling in around the village with the rest of the herd either in the farm fields or running around the hills with the wind in their manes. What remains of the highland cow herd are undertaking a new experience with specialised collars to keep them grazing in particular areas as part of habitat management scheme.
The last of the replacement dark sky approved lighting is going in this week at the NNR office so now it's just to wait and see what we hear from the dark sky application, fingers crossed.
Head teacher interviews are this week for a new start next term so we'll be saying goodbye to temporary head teacher Mr Stephen and his lovely sausage dog at the end of term. We also said bye to Jim Hay this week, best wishes Jim, we'll miss you!!
We have one P7, Dylan, who will be moving up to Mallaig high school next term making it six children at the high school next year!
There will be a Cuban music, film and dance festival visiting the Small Isles in July. So if you fancy a little Cuban culture, cocktails and salsa lessons, be on Rum on July 25th!! Sound amazing.
Our thoughts are with the family of Mary Molloy who went missing in the Rum Cuillin last week. The extensive search and rescue response was a credit to the emergency services, the voluntary mountain rescue and coastguard personnel and the local people who gave their time to help.
Fliss Fraser
The NNR has been busy with visitors this past month. It has been great to see so many people out walking, camping and enjoying the NNR. We have welcomed a new seasonal member of staff who will be greeting visitors and is planning talks and NNR events for the summer season.
The NatureScot team has been assisted by invaluable volunteers this month in wildlife monitoring, deer counting, removing non-native invasive species and path and track maintenance tasks.
We have completed our first checks for breeding attempts at the Manx Shearwater colony and are pleased to report that most of our study burrows are occupied by an adult bird and an egg. We will return later in the year to see how many burrows successfully fledge a chick.
We have started a cattle grazing trial in an area of the island that was damaged by a wild fire a few years ago. We are using no fence collars to keep the Highland cattle in the fire damaged area and will monitor the response of the vegetation. The aim of the trial is to use the cattle to graze down the dominant purple Moor grass to allow heather to grow and encourage recovery of the wet heath habitat.
We currently have all the Rum Highland ponies in the village at the moment, waiting for a visit from the farrier, which is giving visitors a good opportunity to meet them.
We still have some availability on our volunteer programme in August / September. Please get in touch if you would like to apply.
Lesley Watt
Coastguard Training
There are some big updates to share regarding our HM Coastguard team. We bid a heartfelt farewell to Colin, our Station Officer (SO), and Alistair, our Deputy Station Officer (DSO), who have retired after a combined service of 75 years! Their dedication and service to the Coastguard have been excellent, and they leave behind big boots to fill. On behalf of the entire community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Colin and Alistair. Taking over from them will be Owain in the SO role, and Labhaoise as the new DSO, leaving us in very safe and capable hands!
The rest of the team is working hard, engaging in ongoing training and revalidation of their qualifications. Currently, we have four active team members who remain on call 24/7, although we hope that this will increase to eight by the end of the year.
New Chefs, New Menu
We have been loving the new dinner menu at Galmisdale Bay Cafe and Bar, with a selection of tapas-style small plates, in addition to usual - but even better - main portions. Danny and Stuart plan to keep the menu fresh, updating it monthly with exciting new meals and seasonal produce. Dinner is served on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Community Survey
After a visit from researcher Bobby Macauley (UHI) in March to develop the 'Eigg at 27 Survey' alongside the community, he returned this week to share the results in detail. The purpose of the survey is to build a clear and up-to-date picture of the needs, views, and demographic of our island in order to shape our future work plans, and ensure the Island is moving in a direction that fits the desires of the community. The results have been great, with some expected trends in responses, as well as a few interesting points that might not have otherwise come to our attention. We are looking forward to seeing how we can use the data to guide the focus of the Trust's attention and time for the next five years and beyond. Bobby's idea is for the survey to act as a sort of census, allowing us to track progress, trends and changes, and ensure we are all guided by the same values and priorities. Thank you so much to Bobby, and Jenny for all of your work on this, and in particular for the reminder of how privileged we are to be in the unique position of having the power and freedom to shape the future of our Island and our community.
School Trips To Muck
Eigg Primary School and Nursery children have enjoyed several trips to Muck this month. Travelling on the Sheerwater, we saw seals, and a variety of birds on the way there. The pupils had plenty of time to get to know each other with a mix of classroom sessions and PE. It was fantastic for the pupils to have a change to make connections with more children their age, and play some teaching games in larger numbers. Thank you to all the staff, particularly our Headteacher Kieran for organising everything!
Arisaig Primary Visit
It was great to have Arisaig Primary School visiting Eigg this month for a brilliant bushcraft afternoon with Jon and Kat from Eigg Guiding Co. The Arisaig pupils joined Eigg Primary and Nursery in The Pheasantry for archery, den building, games, and 'nightline' - a blindfold obstacle course, before finishing off the afternoon with marshmallows around the fire. Thank you to Jon and Kat for putting on an excellent bushcraft session, as well as all Arisaig and Eigg Primary staff, and Charlie Taxi!
Scotting Wildlife Trust (SWT)
We currently have four excellent Scottish Wildlife Trust Volunteers on Eigg working hard under expert direction from Norah. Here's an update from volunteer Gabriel: 'With breeding season in full swing it has been an exciting month monitoring the breeding efforts of birds around the island. This has included trips to watch the Eagles' nests, scanning the coast for Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher nests, and time watching the acrobatics of the Hen Harriers over the forestry. We have also put up nest boxes for the Long-eared Owls and Kestrels and had fun in the tree nursery transplanting seedlings and helping the school children plant their very own saplings.
'Good weather has given us a chance to watch for marine life - with Dolphins and Minke Whales seen off the pier - and to look out for some of Eigg's rarer species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. With weekly guided walks starting back up, we have enjoyed showing visitors some of the fantastic plant and bird life to take in at this time of year.'
Eigg's Newest Resident
A huge congratulations to Ewen and Jaqueline who brought baby Sunny back to Eigg this month, bringing the Eigg population up to 121!
Eilidh MacGilp
Hello, Muck Calling . . . Well, Summer is well and truly underway, and how do we know? Tell-tale signs are bags of rubbish thrown on the roof of our skip not realising it's a closed skip with doors, so the Gulls and Crows had a buffet to fight over and spread about!! And the other sign is fenders packed full of visitors all braving the Port Mor waters . . . all in life jackets, good to see, they all get one of Linda's gold stars (Linda Moore, the Kytra lock keeper who gave gold stars to all who passed through with jackets on).
We did have two visitors on consecutive days, one from Seattle who sadly I never had a chance to chat with nor catch his name, and the second from Nova Scotia, Ian Roger MacKinnon (pictured). Both were descended from families that lived on Muck 200 years ago and sadly moved onto Cape Breton, Nova Scotia when the use of Kelp was no longer required. We were able to direct them up to the site of the old settlement (aerial photograph).
We had a visiting Dive group who stayed on Muck for a few days and what a treat they gave us - hand dived scallops that were of a fabulous size and tasted absolutely fantastic.
We have also been busy planning the Small Isles Games which we are hosting this year on 10th August and have lined up a fantastic Ceilidh Band for the evening along with local foods and a visit by the Mowi Salmon food wagon. Both ferries, the Lochnevis and the Sheerwater are very accommodating with their timetables and direction of sailings to allow as many visitors and competitors to attend on what I'm sure will be blue sky and 25°C sunshine ??.
Well that's it for this month will catch you all next. C'mon Scotland, good luck in the Euros.
Bruce Boyd
What a great day we had at our Gala Day on 25th May raising a total of £8,089.85 for the RNLI. This was made up of £1,227.60 (RNLI Shop stall), £3,912.25 in takings and £2,950 in donations. We have another £700 in donations pledged which will take the total to £8,789.85.
The ceremony was opened by Mallaig & District Pipe Band who played throughout the day. A real treat for visitors. We were joined by The Northern Lighthouse Board buoy laying vessel Pole Star who made a special appearance and allowed the public aboard to look around, Kyle Lifeboat, The Water Safety Team from Oban RNLI, Mallaig Police, Fire Brigade and Coastguard.
The burgers and paella as well as all the lovely cakes went down well with visitors.
Mallaig RNLI Fundraising Committee would like to thank Mallaig Community Hub for decorating the hub window celebrating 200 years of the RNLI; Mallaig Primary School for the children's handmade RNLI bunting; all who took the time to help out in the run up to and on the day; all the businesses who donated whether it be a cash/cheque/bacs donation or a raffle/stall donation and all who came along on the day and made it such a success. We couldn't have done it without you all . . . Thank you.
The Loch Fyne ferry has been taken off the Mallaig-Armadale route from Monday 10th June until Sunday 7th July.
The CalMac Ferries website states: 'Following a review of vessel deployments due to an ongoing technical issue elsewhere in the network, MV Loch Fyne will be removed from this service (Mallaig-Armadale).
'MV Coruisk sailings will operate to timetable with amendments to Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All bookings impacted by this disruption will be contacted by ports directly.'
For the current timetable, see: www.calmac.co.uk/mal-arm.coruisk-svtt
4th May 2024
Launched at 19:05 at Stornoway Coastguard's request to assist two stranded people at Loch Scavaig, Skye. A couple walking the coastal path were unsure of an area known as the Bad Step and how to cross it. Correctly they informed the Coastguard of the their situation, who duly requested the assistance of the Lifeboat. As the Lifeboat proceeded to scene, the Coastguards also dispatched Rescue 151 from Inverness to locate the casualties. As expected the Helicopter was first on-scene and easily located the casualties. Being able to land close by the casualties were boarded and airlifted to a carpark close to Elgol. With the situation resolved the Lifeboat was stood down and requested to return to base at 19:49. Lifeboat docked and ready for service at 20:50.
6th May 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 19:03 to the assistance of yacht off Arisaig Point which had lost engine power whilst on passage to Arisaig Marina. Unable to sail against the wind into Arisaig, the yacht requested assistance of the Coastguard. Departing Mallaig at 19:03 the Lifeboat was on-scene at 19:30 and was able to quickly set up a tow for Arisaig. Once within the calm and safety of Arisaig Loch the casualty was taken alongside the Lifeboat and towed the short distance to an available mooring at the Marina. Once the yacht was securely moored the Lifeboat left the scene at 20:35 and berthed at Mallaig at 21:15 and made ready for service.
14th May 2024
Launched by Stornoway Coastguard at 13:08 to transfer Paramedics to Inverie, Knoydart. A male had fallen and sustained a large laceration to his head. On-scene at 13:22, the Paramedics attended to the casualty at the pier head where local Coastguards had brought him. After assessing the wound and a dressing applied the casualty was able to walk the short distance to the Lifeboat along with the Medics. Departed Inverie at 13:42 for Mallaig. On the pontoon at 14:00 the casualty was taken to Belford Hospital, Fort William for further treatment by the Ambulance. Lifeboat ready for service at 14:05.
19th May 2024
Launched at 12:10 by Stornoway Coastguard to the assistance of a female with a suspected broken ankle on the shore at Loch Eishort, Isle of Skye. Kyle and Duntulm CRT also tasked to the area. On-scene at 12:55 the female was located above the shoreline by the coastal path to Boreraig, an abandoned village by the lochside. Two crew members proceeded ashore in the Y-Boat to assess the casualty. The casualty was in good spirits and explained that she felt she had heard a crack coming from her ankle. The crew administered Entonox to assist with pain relief. A crewman returned to the Lifeboat for the basket stretcher. Two members of Kyle CRT were now only 15/20minutes walk from the location. Once on-scene Kyle CRT assisted the two crewmen in putting casualty in the stretcher. Fortunately another party being led by a guide arrived at the scene. The Guide then assisted the team to carry the stretcher down to the shore to the Y-boat. Duntulm CRT who were on route were requested to stand down as their assistance was not required. The Casualty was able to shuffle off the stretcher and into the Y-Boat by herself. Once the Casualty was recovered back to Lifeboat she was happy to sit on the salvage pump container at the back of Wheelhouse. Kyle CRT and the other crewman were recovered from the shore back to the Lifeboat at 14:15. Once the Y-Boat had been recovered onboard the Lifeboat departed the scene at 14:26. The Lifeboat requested Stornoway Coastguard to dispatch an Ambulance to Armadale ferry terminal to meet the Lifeboat at the Linkspan. Other members of Kyle CRT were also there to assist once Lifeboat berthed. Lifeboat alongside the Linkspan at 15:04. Again the casualty was placed in the stretcher for an easier transfer ashore by crew and Coastguards into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Casualty would be taken to Broadford Hospital for further assessment. Lifeboat departed Armadale for Mallaig at 15:15, fuelled and ready for service at 15:51.
Jim Morton
The visiting fishing vessels continued to land throughout April and May, so it's been a good start to this year in terms of shellfish in particular. White fish remains a much lower proportion of landings than it might have been historically, and although the trend is still downwards in general, there are some grounds for optimism. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation have recently published a report into Industry Trends and Attitudes, which includes consideration of the wider impact of fishing to our coastal communities alongside the environmental impacts, and the advances in technology within the industry. It ends with a plea to political parties, and those standing for election to:
You can access the full report from the news page of their website - www.sff.co.uk/news/.
Hopefully we have seen the last of the disruption to ferry services for the moment. The Coruisk has returned from supporting services on the Isle of Mull while their ferry provided additional capacity for Féis Ile, and there are no further proposed redeployments for the moment. However, we have been discussing with community representatives on Skye the idea of reinvigorating the 'Sound of Sleat Transport Forum' or something similar so that there is a united voice from our communities to respond to consultations and proposed redeployments. If anyone locally would be interested in being part of a 'Ferry Users Group' or similar, then please get in touch with me and I can keep you informed. It's likely that this will not happen until the end of the summer season.
The tenders have been returned for the overnight ferry berth, and some additional investigative work will have been undertaken by the time you read this.
I mentioned last month that the Marina had a fairly quiet start to its re-opening, but things have picked up since then, and we have already had a few nights where we have been at full capacity. The moorings and anchor chains have been replaced where necessary and the works to replace planks are ongoing. We have welcomed the Eda Frandsen back for her first couple of trips this season, so it feels like the season is in full swing already! Some of you may be aware that the Ocean Clipper Race is coming to Oban between the 12th and 21st July. We are already aware of one group who are coming to Mallaig for the weekend as a result of being displaced from Oban at this time, and we are expecting to be very busy throughout this week, so we may not be able to accommodate passing yacht traffic to the same extent as normal.
We had a good day of weather for the RNLI Gala day on 25th May, and the Northern Lighthouse vessel Pole Star was a huge attraction on the day. Cameron MacDonald kindly shared this drone photo with us, and the view from the Bridge looking back to the Harbour on the day gave a totally different perspective. It was a great day overall and between takings on the day and donations received, over £6,800 was raised for the RNLI locally, not including the takings from the RNLI shop stall on the day, which took in a further £1,200.
Proposed changes to parking restrictions in The Highland Council car parks - West Bay in particular - have led to lots of recent enquiries about parking on and around the Harbour. At the moment, all our permit spaces are allocated and we have a waiting list of around 30 people, many of whom have been on the list for several years. We do go through the list annually and re-allocate spaces where possible, but turnover is very low. We have no plans to create any additional parking - in fact it's more likely that spaces will be reduced as development takes place, so we would encourage Community Councils and other community organisations to make their voices heard with The Highland Council.
Our AGM is on 14th June, and the focus this year is the Economic Impact Assessment undertaken on our behalf by MKA Economics. We're grateful to everyone who participated in the process, sharing their time and information to make the final document as comprehensive as it is. The intention behind the Economic Impact Assessment is to have evidence to support future funding applications for developments around the Harbour, and the headline numbers from the final report are impressive. Rather than a wordy description, we have captured these into some key facts about the Harbour, which are included here.
Jacqueline McDonell
Hello, it's me again!
This time as a 'brand new' octogenarian - but still trotting about with my wellies and working trolley! Don't count the days. Make the days count say I! Who knew that you get a 'wee bit' more pension for being one? Not me. I've enjoyed 9am breakfasts out, lunches and even was spotted entering the Marine Bar - but only for a hot drink at a table for two! Good fun though. Thanks to all who travelled to Mallaig - always by train - to treat me. Next was the 'bob' haircut! I love it. Everyone tells me it 'takes years off you' which makes me think 'How old did I ******* look?' Ha ha! Saving the best till last came 'the flowers' - on the mat, through the post, by a delivery driver etc. The presents even had especially printed train wrapping paper with my name (and age) on it. Mallaig - after 32 years - thanks a lot to you all. x
Now then, on to rail related content. Friends of the West Highland Line 'Summer Issue' package is on its way to me today I am told. In order to secure a copy in the post from me give me a ring on 01687 462189 and I will sort out the details and send you one. It never fails to deliver an excuse to sit down with a mug of tea and easily let two hours slip by, as you think - I'll just read one more page and then finish what I was doing before the post arrived! - and then read the whole page-after-page turner until it is done. It is that good a read.
West Coast Railways - update as of 6th June 2024
Important announcement regarding The Jacobite afternoon service - 'We are sorry that we need to cancel further trips on our afternoon service only.' The afternoon service (departing Fort William at 12.50pm) is now cancelled up to and including 16th June. The morning service is unaffected and due to run on time.
WCR say, 'Passengers will be contacted directly by email and SMS text to inform them of the cancellations. As we are unable to offer alternative trips on The Jacobite afternoon service at this time, our reservations team will process full refunds for customers with bookings on those dates in the next 10 working days.'
Their latest news update goes on to say, 'We are planning to start The Jacobite afternoon service this month, but due to the amount of work necessary to fit the CDL [Central Door Locking], we cannot guarantee which date the service will start. As soon as the date is confirmed, we will inform passengers directly and announce it on the news articles.
'Should we need to cancel further Jacobite trips, we will contact all customers directly, ahead of their journey date, and in that case, we also will issue a full refund.
'Please note - new bookings for The Jacobite are closed until further notice for both trips, except those detailed on https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/news/jacobite-seats-available-to-book '
My fax machine is spewing out variations on this message once or twice a week, as the season progresses, just with the ongoing dates changing!
The weather is just stuck in the same groove too. Last night, with the wind chill, we were down to 2 degrees! Today I have had two boughs of my 'Knoydart' oak tree split to the ground as the weight of the fleshy new wet leaves could not cope with the north westerly gusts. My 'Torquay' palm tree planted in 2015 is today trying to hold up its big white flowering spike (which is heavy) against the north wind - but I fear for it not lasting. Take your pick on which is the more interesting news!!
Don't shoot the messenger is all I can say - eventually everything will come to pass, my duck!
In the meantime we carry on and take whatever is given us and be grateful and hopefully turn it to our advantage! For example this past weekend when all incoming rail travellers tried to obtain cash from the Bank of Scotland ATM (the only one left in Mallaig) and couldn't, the Co-op gained as visitors were advised to make a purchase at the tills and obtain 'cash back' that way. Everyone was happy.
Let's wait and see what happens when Monday 17th June comes around!
In the meantime I believe some of The Jacobite coaching stock will be departing our branch line for 'tyre turning' - but worry not, as other carriages are available, bearing in mind that only four carriages are used per daily morning journey from Fort William, Mark2 central door locking complying.
A never to be repeated Bargain Hunt!
A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen to purchase a piece of railway history. Glasgow's 'Clockwork Orange' 1980s underground carriages are being replaced with a fleet of new carriages - five so far - by the end of this year.
The world's third oldest underground rail system, after those in London and Budapest (who knew?) ought to be consigned to new owners. Just think - it could be you! There are around 20 in total. One has been earmarked for the city's Riverside Heritage Museum. The remaining 20 are available! Well the price is a bargain - set at £5,000 - any prospective buyer will be required to pay for an uplift and transportation, plus planning permission needs to be considered.
They have a lifetime of history embedded in them and still have the original moquette covered seating made from 100% mohair which has lasted so well.
Pete Waterman (he of last month's West Word) former Pop Idol judge, record producer, and one of britain's best known celebrity rail enthusiasts (Rod Stewart and Jools Holland a well), said, 'People use 'subways' every day and take the carriages for granted - until one day they are gone.' I think a lot of people will have a little sadness when the carriages go out of service.
Just think of the life left in them. They could be book shops, art gallery's, pottery outlets, cafes, tea rooms, ice cream parlour, glamping pods, dog grooming parlours - the mind boggles.
The heritage railways could consider then, or even a lottery winner might want one of them.
The carriages are available for potential purchase, via rail contractor Stadler, as part of an agreement with subway operator SPT (Strathclyde passenger transport). I dare you to have a dream - before it's too late. It could be you!
New railway managing directors for Scotland
New appointments at Network Rail Scotland and also at ScotRail.
Network Rail has appointed Liam Sumpter as Managing Director for Network Rail in Scotland on a two-year secondment, following the news in March that Alex Hynes is joining the Department for Transport where he is becoming Director General, Rail Services, also for two years. Liam has 22 years of railway experience, having joined Railtrack in 2002. He said he was 'delighted' with his new opportunity. Most recently - for the past five years - he has been Network Rail route director for Scotland. Liam continued, 'We have a great team here in Scotland, and I am confident that together, we can continue to fulfil our main objective to run a reliable and safe railway.'
Meanwhile, Scottish Rail Holdings has also announced today that ScotRail's Chief Operating Officer Joanne Maguire has been appointed interim Managing Director of ScotRail. She said, 'Everyone at ScotRail continues to work hard to increase passenger numbers, grow revenue, and deliver value for money for the taxpayer. I am looking forward to continuing to play my part in this new role.'
David Lowrie, ScotRail Chairman and Scottish Rail Holdings Chief Executive, said: 'Joanne Maguire has been an outstanding leader of ScotRail over the past two years and I am pleased that she has accepted the role of interim Managing Director. I know she will continue to work with the team to build on our recent successes, including strong passenger growth, customer satisfaction, and punctuality. We remain fully committed to the Alliance Agreement, which has delivered close collaborative working between ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland.'
Maybe they collaboratively will traverse the West Highland line from Glasgow to Mallaig by train sometime soon. I hope so. They would enjoy our welcome.
Repairs begin on Glenfinnan railway viaduct
Standing proudly as a testament to the pioneers of railway construction in the west Highlands of Scotland, the Glenfinnan viaduct is now receiving the care and attention it deserves to conserve and protect its Grade A Listed status - making it future-proofed.
The £3.4 million project is to be undertaken by Network Rail and principle contractor Amco Giffen will be undertaking the refurbishment project. A compound has been set up at the foot of the 123 year old landmark, which sits 100 feet above the River Finnan carrying railway traffic to and from Fort William and Mallaig. Work is expected to take just under 12 months to complete.
Laura Craig, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said, 'Years of planning have gone into this project. The work will not have a massive visual impact on the way the viaduct looks and that's very deliberate. We won't be scaffolding the structure at all but in the coming weeks, you'll start to see the rope access technicians on the viaduct as they begin work. The main works to the viaduct will be concrete repairs. We'll also be doing some repairs to the pier that sits in the River Finnan.'
Engineers will assess the viaducts condition and strength before making improvements beneath the track to ensure the stone ballast remains in place. Laura continued, 'It's a bucket list job for our team to work on and we will be sharing as much information and as many updates as we can throughout the project. Railway services will not be disrupted during the works.'
FAQs and all the latest information is available at
https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/glenfinnan-viaduct-renewal-work
Change at the ORR
Richard Hines is to succeed Ian Prosser CBE as HM Chief Inspector of Railways at the Office of Rail and Road this summer.
He said: 'I am delighted to take on this opportunity at a time of change and challenge for our railways. As I move into the role later in 2024, I look forward to working with the team and sector colleagues to build on previous successes and deliver a safe railway. The upcoming 200-year celebration of our railways provides us with an amazing opportunity to create a health and safety legacy of which we are all proud.'
Statement from Huw Merriman MP
Huw Merriman has announced that after nine years as an MP he has made the decision not to stand as a candidate in the next election, which means he will also leave his job as rail minister on 4th July 2024.
Huw said, 'Transport has been my passion throughout my time in Parliament, and I've loved my time as Rail Minister. I wish my successor well: if the role brings even half the amount of happiness as it has brought me, then it will make you very proud.
'Thank you to all of the amazing people I have met on my journey. I will miss everything but, as I sit in the political departure lounge, I am looking forward to a new journey (whatever that might be).'
What a humble statement from a man I have watched deliver the most honest statements on the parliamentary channel with delight. Whatever he does next I wish him well. Travel safely Huw.
See you on the train,
Sonia Cameron
Stop Press - Heading to Fort William today from Carnforth is extra stock, hauled by a diesel, believed to be replacing aforementioned stock which I now believe is pathed to go away tomorrow, 8th June, for 'tyre turning', returning to Fort William maybe in a week's time. I understand it was a class 47 loco hauling three West Coast coaches, and a cream and maroon coach. SC
A fairly typical May birdwise with summer visitors still arriving, passage birds, and the last of our winter visitors clearing out.
Common Whitethroats were first heard on the 3rd in Arisaig and Spotted Flycatchers later the same week. Several singing Common Redstarts could be heard around Loch nan Eala throughout the month. The first House Martins of the year were seen over Loch nan Eala during the first week. Whinchat were seen near Millburn, Rhu from mid month.
Common Terns were back at Loch Ailort from the 7th, with widespread sightings on Loch nan Ceall and Traigh as the month progressed. Arctic Terns were reported from Loch nan Ceall and a single Sandwich Tern was seen there on the 4th. Great Skuas were again reported from the Sound of Sleat and a single Arctic Skua was seen in Loch nan Uamh on the 31st.
Passage waders continued to move through the area with numerous reports of Whimbrel. 30 brids at Traigh on the 9th was the highest count, the last birds were seen on the 23rd with just two birds reported. There was a steady trickle of Golden Plover through the area with birds reported from Traigh and Back of Keppoch. Small numbers of Dunlin, Turnstone and Sanderling seen at Traigh on several occasions.
A single Whooper Swan was seen on Loch nan Ceall late on the 14th, then it departed on the 15th. At least 40 Great Northern Divers were seen there on the 4th.
Many young birds now appearing. The first brood of Canada Geese were seen at Loch Ailort on the 7th, with Greylag Geese with goslings just two days later.
The pair of Moorhens on Loch nan Eala had four chicks on the 11th, but were down to one by the month end. An Otter was seen to take at least one of the chicks. Eider Ducks with broods of ducklings started to appear on Loch Ailort from the 25th. Both Lapwing and Redshank had young chicks during the last week at Invercaimbe and Back of Keppoch.
On the 6th a group of five to six Crossbills were seen near Millburn, Rhu.
On the 10th an Egret, pooibly a Little Egret was seen briefly on Loch nan Ceall. The following day an Egret was seen at Invercaimbe.
Two interesting ringing controls involving Lesser Redpolls (pictured) that breed in this area:
On the 1st May a Lesser Redpoll re-trapped in Morar was found to have been ringed at Badlake Farm, Devon on the 11th October 2021, 673km SSE of Morar. On the 16th May a second Lesser Redpoll was found to have been ringed on the 13th February 2022 near Grantown on Spey, 139 km ENE of Morar. Although breeding in this area, it seems that they may spend the winter in completely different parts of the British Isles.
The Jacksons from Arisaig are on Broadway in New York with their copy!
Martyn Green read his in Haute Nendaz, Switzerland.
West Word
Morar Station Buildings
Morar
Inverness-shire PH40 4PB
Scotland
The paper version of West Word contains approximately 40 pages (A4 size) including:
For 12 issues: £36 anywhere in the UK
£55 for Eire and Europe / £75 for the rest of the world.
Contact the Editor to subscribe.
www.westword.org.uk © 2002 - 2024 WEST WORD
Site design by The Internet Guide to Scotland
Mallaig & District Newspaper is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. SC048780