Finances of Highlands heritage railway will be hit hard by Flying Scotsman accident
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The accident involving the Flying Scotsman on its visit to the strath will cost the operators of the heritage railway a six-figure in loss of income, the company has said.
The world famous locomotive was just half-way through its schedule of trips on the Strathspey steam railway line when it was involved in the coupling collision in Aviemore on September 29.
Two people had to be taken to Inverness' Raigmore Hospital following the incident.
The Strathspey Railway Company has said there has been a 'worrying deterioration' in the cash flow projection because of the accident which is currently being investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
The SRC spokesman said: "There has been a loss of income as a result of the Flying Scotsman incident and subsequent cancellations amounting to a six figure loss in refunds to passengers.
"This, together with the seasonal Santa Express, currently on hold pending a review of the availability of staff could further affect the railways’ finances.
"What should have been the best year ever for the Strathspey Railway family has turned into one of the worst with allegations circulating throughout the railway regarding discipline and financial mismanagement."
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The Strathspey Railway Company has said it will be operating its scheduled services as normal tomorrow (Saturday) but there is no information regarding Sunday's operations. The latest timetable information can be found here.
The RAIB launched its investigation earlier this week and said it will be examining a number of key areas into the accident which occurred at around 6.05pm on the heritage steam railway line at its Aviemore station.
The world famous steam locomotive collided with a set of stationary passenger coaches at a speed of around 7mph (11 km/h).
