Plans to convert Grantown station to cultural centre on write track
The couple behind the £2 million redevelopment of a former railway station in Grantown into a cultural centre want to evoke the sounds, smells and sights of the golden age of steam in the town.
The owner of Revack Lodge Estate, Karen Blessington, and her partner Dave Garman, expect the conversion of the derelict Grantown East railway station and surrounding site into a hub for the Highland’s rich heritage to take around 18 months.
It is now more than 50 years since the railway station building was last used by travellers, having been axed in October 1965 as part of Dr Beeching’s cuts to the British railway network.
But the couple would like former passengers who used the old station to turn back the clock and provide them with their recollections of the Grantown East station in its heyday.
They want to use the written memories as part of the refurbishment of the station building, and to help trigger the grey cells there is £250 up for grabs for the best entry as part of a writing competition.
Ms Blessington said: "We want to hear from people near and far about their experiences and memories – good and bad – about using Grantown East station.
"It will serve as an inspiration for me and eventually I’d like to somehow display these memories and to share them with other people so the station’s story will not be forgotten in the years that follow."
She added: "People should just write how ever many adjectives it takes; it’s their personal memories that we are after. Their recollections can be short or a little longer capturing the spirit of the station rather than the line itself."
As for progress following last month’s start, Ms Blessington said: "It’s going well. We have not touched the building yet but the ground works are progressing nicely and the new road access point is pretty much there."
The project for a home for the region’s traditional crafts was approved in December, last year, by planners and could create up to 30 jobs.
Two old refurbished train carriages will be installed for use as a cafe, and there are also plans for a retail outlet, an area for local craftspeople and heritage displays and a Highland Games demonstration arena. Other attractions lined up include kilt-making and leather-making demonstrations.
For entries and more details for the Grantown East memories competition contact memoriesofgrantowneast@gmail.com or write to Revack Lodge Estate, Grantown, PH26 3NH marked Grantown East Memories.
The deadline for entries is November 1.
There is also an option for those who do not wish to write to have their memories recorded – they should contact the same addresses.
