Tinder dry trackside grass leaves Strathspey Steam Railway with fires to tackle
Strathspey Steam Railway have been running diesel trains today as a precaution after yesterday’s steam loco dramas, where volunteers were in action beating out trackside fires.
“Due to current weather conditions, the train services on Sunday will be diesel-hauled,” the company announced.
One traveller from yesterday gave a dramatic account of her trip to Strathspey from home in Nairn.
Jan Grigg posted at the time: “A blissful steam train trip with (daughter) Yuna turned into big drama.
“Some embers with dry grass, and high winds have started several fires. Our carriages are abandoned in Boat of Garten while fire engines arrive.
“Now safely in Aviemore.”
But the eventful day was far from over, she reported.
“Drive home to Nairn, the Dava closed due to more fires, and diverted again via Grantown due to several woodland wild fires on the way home...
“Now home safe.”
Ms Grigg told the Strathy today that she was full of praise for the way the staff at the steam railway company had reacted to the crisis.
“We didn't get trapped and they closed windows to keep smoke out.
“The staff and volunteers were lovely. They had a really tough day. Mind you, I’m hoping for a complimentary tea if the Strathy can swing that for me!”
Several fires were raging across the dry land when staff bravely went to battle with the flames, using a water tank.
For extra safely the crew uncoupled the train as the loco went to work with its water tank.
A spokesperson at the steam railway told the Strathy: “Staff and volunteers assisted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in tackling a lineside fire, south of Boat of Garten.
“The railways' large water tanker was transported to Boat to provide an additional water supply. Passengers were returned to Aviemore by bus.
“The railway would like to thank the driver from Abbey Coaches who was visiting the railway and who volunteered to ferry the passengers back to Aviemore.”
But firefighters are still continuing to tackle wildfires in both Carrbridge and Dava areas as the desperate wait for rain goes on.
