Notwithstanding the wet and windy weather, 31 boarded the coach at 9.30 am in Sainsbury’s car park in eager anticipation of a full day’s outing. Travelling by motorway the group arrived at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway for the great majority to catch the 10.45am train to Manuel hauled by the former LNER steam locomotive Morayshire. As the train departed the station, those on the platform and also some of the passengers were reminded of their childhood - not only by the spectacle but also by the sight and smell of steam, smoke and sulphur fumes!
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| Morayshire after arrival at Mauel station. © I.S. Ruddock |
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| The Turkish Class 8F undergoing restoration. © I.S. Ruddock |
The travellers returned some 60 minutes later to begin a visit of the Museum of Scottish Railways which houses a fine collection of exhibits that record and display railway history - both steam and diesel. Departure from Bo’ness was scheduled for 1.00 pm which gave the group sufficient time to appreciate the exhibits including the LMS designed Class 8F locomotive No.45170 built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow and first steamed on 28th February 1942; after modification, it was shipped by the Ministry of Supply to Turkey and but repatriated to the UK in 2010. This visit was a great start to the day.
Lunch was taken in Linlithgow town centre and at 2.30 pm the coach departed for Hopetoun House where the group was met at the east entrance (grand staircase) to the property by uniformed guides.
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| Hopetoun House © I.S. Ruddock |
Divided into two groups this was the start of a superb tour which gave insight into the history of the Hope family with its links to Leadhills, Lanarkshire and lead mining. The guides described the architectural features of the house and it contents including fine paintings, furnishings and memorabilia. Stories of the many achievements of the family and their links to Government, the armed forces, the Empire and the Royal Court were told as the groups were slowly taken from room to room, noted in part by the relatively few restrictions imposed by ropes and 'do not enter signs'. Overall, a great ambience in a memorable visit.
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| © I.S. Ruddock |
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| © I.S. Ruddock |
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| The three bridges as viewed from the roof. © I.S. Ruddock |
After a long but most enjoyable day the starting point was reached at 8.15 pm. Tired but happy the group expressed its sincere thanks to Ros McMeekin, David Brown and Don Martin for having organised a much appreciated summer outing.
David Graham
