Vintage rail plan steaming ahead

Troops leaving for the front from Tain Station in 1916

The distinctive puff of a steam train may be heard echoing along a line in the Highlands by 2008.

Tain Heritage Rail Group is hoping that it will be able to have a summer service running from Tain to Dunrobin within two years.

Mike Herd, one of its directors, said efforts to get a train and an operator were progressing.

He also hopes the group, which will promote the service and sell tickets, can soon take over Tain Station.

Mr Herd, a film cameraman and steam enthusiast, said the line in Easter Ross between Tain and a small station near Dunrobin Castle lent itself to a steam service.

If it is successful, a train will run on the existing Highland line. It will uncouple and turn around at Brora for the return trip to Tain.

Mr Herd said: "To make this work you have to be able to view the line and the steam train and you can on this section."

He said there was a "beautiful" station at Dunrobin, just a short walk from the castle.

Mothballed building

Mr Herd added: "Tain Heritage Rail Group will not be the operators, but will market, promote and sell the tickets.

"There are about three operators of steam train services and we have had some interest."

A train has been earmarked for the project - the Great Marquis - and has undergone a major refit led by Fife farmer John Cameron.

Meanwhile, the rail group is looking into raising £180,000 to refurbish the Victorian-era station at Tain, which is a condition of securing a lease for the mothballed building from Network Rail.

Mr Herd said the group did not want to become a "hostage" to setting firm dates for a launch. He said opening in 2007 was unlikely, but 2008 was a real possibility.