Kerr's Miniature Railway to close

[ScotTrains]

I have just found out the sad news that Kerr's Miniature Railway, Scotland's oldest miniature railway, is to close after 85 years due to low passenger numbers.

They are to continue running on weekends 11am to 4pm until the end of Sep, weather permitting. Anyone wanting a final ride is urged to do so soon!

It was announced on their Facebook page.

https://m.facebook.com/KerrsMiniatureRailway/

 

[najaB]

Aww... that's pretty sad news.

 

[duncanp]

I am old enough to remember the miniature railway in Battersea Park, London.

It is always sad when something like this happens.

I don't suppose C***D-19 helped matters, as the railway would have been closed for quite a while.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Can be seen on the approach into Arbroath.

 

[LSWR Cavalier]

Perhaps it could be sold and rebuilt elsewhere

 

[najaB]

Perhaps it could be sold and rebuilt elsewhere

I don't think the problem is the location, tbh. It's by the seaside in a reasonably busy town. If anything it needed (needs?) to be extended to be a complete loop rather than being such a short there-and-back.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Sadly, this Arbroath miniature railway attraction seems to have been declining in recent years; COVID-19 might just have been the final nail in the coffin.

Remembering Scotland's oldest miniature railway as it makes its last call for passengers

It’s the end of the line for Scotland’s oldest miniature railway with dwindling visitor numbers forcing the closure of the Arbroath attraction after 85

www.thecourier.co.uk

 

[timmydunn]

As John says in the video, things were made perilous by the relatively recent moving of other recreation facilities in the park - meaning the railway was then set far away from the main footfall. Numbers have dwindled since. It is a great shame; I am sure that an announcement will be made in due course as to the future of the equipment. In the meantime, do try and visit - or head to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, John Kerr's co-venture with chum Peter Bryant.

 

[Altnabreac]

Went down today to visit with my son. Was busy in the sunshine but I'm sure an element of the numbers are from those coming for a final visit.

It's a shame, you can see why the location is struggling a little now the centre of gravity of West Links is further up. It's also the only out and back style miniature railway of the 7 in Scotland and that makes the operation a little harder for them.

John and the others are doing a great job but maybe its time has come. Hope he finds solace in how many people have come to enjoy one last ride.

 

[theironroad]

Never been on the train, but seen it a few times when passing on the mainline.

However, that Facebook video almost had me crying by the end.

I feel for the guy, he's obviously had so much invested in the railway emotionally and to see it slowly withering away and his and others (in his words) enthusiasm falls with low ridership is sad. I hope, as he wishes, that there will be a good turnout for the final runs so they can finish on a high. .

 

[WesternLancer]

Sad to read about this. Any pics from final day about to view?

Now in the National Press:

Scotland’s oldest miniature steam railway finally runs out of puff

Kerr’s half-mile line has delighted visitors to Arbroath for 85 years; with a last blast of nostalgia it has blown its last whistle

www.theguardian.com

 

[ajrm]

A few of mine here:

Kerr's Miniature Railway

Pictures from the final weekend at Kerr's Miniature Railway, Arbroath, before closure on 10/11 October 2020.

www.flickr.com

and some more in here:

Kerr's Miniature Railway - Grand Finale 10/11th Oct 20

A selection of images taken at Kerr's Miniature Railway in Arbroath on the last weekend of operation after 85 years.

www.flickr.com