An Angus community railway has taken a “considerable” financial hit after winter flood damage forced it to re-lay hundreds of metres of track and delayed the start of its summer season.
The volunteer-run Caledonian Railway, which covers four miles from Brechin to Bridge of Dun, will lose almost a month of its tourist season after it became one of the area’s many flood casualties late last year.
Its troubles are the result of the frequent torrential downpours that struck the area over the winter.
Despite Herculean efforts by all, the railway is still set to miss out on one of its annual events the May Diesel Gala. The railway normally restarts operations in time for the popular three-day event, which takes place every May bank holiday weekend.
However, the extent of the flood damage means that rail services will not now resume until the end of May.
Director Ena Wilkie said, “We will definitely be open for the end of May but (the flood) has unfortunately had an impact on the Diesel Gala.
“The time that was spent relaying the track meant that some of the volunteers who would be working on the diesels or other parts of the railway had to put all their energies into that.
“It has been quite an expensive operation. It is quite a considerable amount.
“A lot of water came off the fields and caused track damage and our track gang have been very busy relaying about a quarter of a mile of track ahead of this year.
“They have got the track down but have also had to sort out the drainage and the ballast.
“We had a little money in reserve, which we had built up, but that is gone now so we have to work harder,” she added.
But despite the winter’s hardship, the railway’s volunteers remain determined to pick up where they left off last year.
“Everyone has pulled together,” said a proud Ena. “The track guys have done an excellent job they have worked in all weathers and have pulled out all of the stops.
“We’re hoping for a good season. We will reopen for the last Sunday in May and will have steam trains every Sunday during the summer months.
“We also have Thomas the Tank Engine and the Santa services.”
Meanwhile the railway is appealing for more volunteers and donations.
Ena said, “We’re always looking for volunteers for all departments. Any donations would also be gratefully received because (the flood has) been quite a blow for us.”
For more information about the Caledonian Railway visit www.caledonianrailway.com, email enquiries@caledonianrailway.com or call 01356 622992.