Strathspey Railway (preserved)

The Strathspey Railway is a preserved railway in Scotland, running between Aviemore and Broomhill, a distance of approximately 10 miles. It operates primarily as a heritage railway, offering passenger services for tourists and railway enthusiasts, recreating the experience of travel on a typical Highland branch line.

The original Strathspey Railway was part of the Highland Railway, linking Aviemore and Forres. The preserved railway operates on a section of the original route. The line was closed by British Railways in the late 1960s as part of the Beeching cuts.

The Strathspey Railway Company was formed by preservationists to reinstate a portion of the line. The first section of the preserved line, from Aviemore to Boat of Garten, opened in 1978. Extensions followed, reaching Broomhill in 2002, a location used in the television series Monarch of the Glen.

The railway operates a variety of steam and diesel locomotives, along with a collection of rolling stock that represents different periods of railway history. Regular passenger services are offered, often including dining trains and special event trains.

The Strathspey Railway is a significant tourist attraction in the Cairngorms National Park, contributing to the local economy and providing a valuable historical resource. It is operated and maintained largely by volunteers.