Looking to ride on a heritage railway in Scotland? We’ve got the full list of Scotland’s amazing heritage railways. So read our guide and book a journey today on one of these beauties and celebrate the golden age of rail travel.
Central Highlands
Keith & Dufftown Railway, Dufftown, Banffshire and Keith, Morayshire.
This railway uses vintage locomotives to pull the carriages on an 11-mile journey. So step on board. The ride goes from the world’s malt whisky capital, Dufftown to the historic town of Keith.
Strathspey Railway, Aviemore, Highlands. This ten-mile Highland Railway was bought back to life by a team of dedicated volunteers in 1978. And it has been running steam trains along the line since then.
Central Scotland
Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, South Lanarkshire
This is a narrow-gauge railway. It is laid on the track bed of the former Leadhills and Wanlockhead branch of the Caledonian Railway.
East Coast
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness, Falkirk.
This heritage railway in Bo’ness, Scotland travels over 8 kms of track. The trains travel between Bo-ness and Manuel Junction via Kinneil and Birkhill. So step on board for a ride that all the family will enjoy.
Caledonian Railway, Brechin, Angus. This volunteer-run railway operates heritage steam and diesel hauled trains. Your journey will take you along the 4-mile branch line. This is between the town of Brechin and the countryside stop of Bridge of Dun.
Fife Heritage Railway, Leven, Fife. This heritage railway runs restored locomotives and rolling stock over a half-mile standard gauge. The railway is based in Levenmouth.
Kerr’s Miniature Railway, Arbroath. Scotland’s oldest miniature railway made its debut in 1935. Since then, over two million people have enjoyed a ride along the quarter mile track on the seafront.
Royal Deeside Railway, Milton of Crathes, Aberdeenshire
This railway runs standard gauge steam and diesel hauled carriages alongside the one-mile track on the River Dee.
Highlands
Ness Islands Railway, Inverness.
The 7 ¼ inch gauge Ness Islands Railway is the UK’s most northerly public miniature railway. Because the locomotives take passengers on an exciting journey over ½ mile long, they are loved by adults and children alike.
Lowlands
The Aberdonian Steam Train crosses Edinburgh, crossing the famous Forth Bridge. Running along the coast, the train travels to Dundee before making its way to its final destination,Aberdeen. The journey takes a day and you can treat yourself to lunch on board as you marvel at the scenery.
Vogrie Park Miniature Railway, Gorebridge, nr Edinburgh.
This miniature railway runs on a 7 ¼ inch gauge over a 2200ft circular route. Because of this, the kids will love this fantastic Scottish railway.
North Coast of Scotland
Alford Valley Railway, Alford, Aberdeenshire.
This 3ft narrow gauge railway is located in what used to be the terminus of the passenger and goods Alford Valley Railway which connected with the Great North of Scotland railway main line at Kintore.
Scottish Borders
Waverley Route Heritage Association, Whitrope, Roxburghshire.
The Association operates a train service along a mile of former Waverley Route track from Whitrope Tunnel to Bridge 200. Because it is run by volunteers, your journey will be a delight.
West Coast of Scotland
Doon Valley Railway, Dunaskin – Waterside, East Ayrshire
This is a ‘living museum’. On its tracks, historically significant industrial steam and diesel locomotives can be seen working in an authentic setting. Because it’s so authentic, you and your family will love this railway. This is one of Scotland’s best heritage railways.
Western Highlands
Craightoun Miniature Railway, St Andrews, Fife.
This railway runs within the grounds of Craigtoun Country Park. And the trains are pulled by a Rio Grande steam outline locomotive, with open and semi-open Severn Lamb coaches. So enjoy a ride on this fun railway.
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