Future arrangements for Flying Scotsman being 'carefully considered'
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The National Railway Museum has released a statement on the future maintenance contract of the world-famous steam loco the Flying Scotsman.
Currently, Riley and Sons (E) Ltd in Lancashire are contracted to maintain the locomotive when it is out on the mainline.
However, this contract runs out this month, and the York-based NRM says it is now ‘considering' the future of Flying Scotsman's operation after this date.
The Flying Scotsman was involved in an accident at the end of September in Aviemore which left two people in hospital.
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An NRM spokesperson said “The National Railway Museum is focused on the delivery of Flying Scotsman's centenary celebrations which will conclude with a visit to Locomotion in Shildon between 16 December and 7 January.
“The current contract to maintain and operate Flying Scotsman runs until December 2023.
"After the success of Flying Scotsman's centenary year, and the locomotive's two popular visits to the NRM, the future operation of Flying Scotsman after this date is being carefully considered.
“Future arrangements will ensure people have the opportunity to see and experience one of the collection's star objects and will conserve and safeguard the locomotive's future.
"The National Railway Museum is committed to making Flying Scotsman as accessible to all and this includes building on the success it's had in our museums in the centenary year and operating it up and down the country.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is currently carrying out a probe following the Aviemore accident which occurred at around 6.05pm on September 29.
The world famous steam locomotive collided with a set of stationary passenger coaches on the Strathspey Steam Railway line next to the village's mainline station.
The RAIB said the collision occurred at approximately 7mph (11km/h).
The accident resulted in injuries being caused to a 'number of passengers and staff' with one passenger and one member of staff taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness as a precautionary measure.
