Royal Scotsman leaves Aviemore

Quietly and sedately this afternoon the Royal Scotsman slipped out of Aviemore after its eventful visit to the Strathspey Steam Railway base, where it had a close encounter with the world's most famous locomotive.

A diesel engine linked up with the carriages to take the train south, it's believed to Hamilton by Glasgow, although its owners, Belmond, have not confirmed that as yet.

Following the September 19 incident, where Flying Scotsman was due to link up with the train and haul it around the Highlands, extensive inspections were carried out on both trains.

Meantime the local steam railway company has suspended ticket sales for this winter's Santa Express but hopes are that the hugely popular attraction will soon be re-installed on the local timetables.

More on this as it comes in.

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