6 minute read
West Highland Railway exhibition
LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREENER PAST
Iain Ferguson A new exhibition on the building of the Mallaig extension to the West Highland Railway hopes to demonstrate not only the facts of it being an amazing engineering feat, but just how ‘green’ the process was.
Advertisement
Based on a recently published book ‘Building the Mallaig Railway - a photographer’s story, by Hege Hernaes, the exhibition features many of the images taken at the time to record the progress and means of construction along its entire length.
One of the aspects revealed by the photographic essay is the ‘green’ methods employed by the workforce, which can also be taken as a lesson from the past, as the present and future world becomes more aware of using available resources more carefully.
At the time the railway and the supporting infrastructure was being built, there was little alternative but to use the materials which could be used from the immediate surrounding, or use and reuse those which had to be transported into the area.
Set up at Glenfinnan Station in a railway carriage, the exhibition features a number of enlargements of pictures in the book, with explanations of what is happening, where - and when possible - who is featured in them.
Previously terminating at Banavie where an impressive station sat just below the Caledonian canal, the West
Highland line collected passengers from the steamer from the north and delivered them to First William, where they could connect with other services.
An act was passed in July 1894 which sanctioned the extension to Mallaig, mainly to allow speedier access from the then important and very prosperous fish landings in the village to their main markets across Britain and further afield.
While the line was only 40 miles long, it faced tremendous engineering challenges due to the terrain, the solutions to which resulted in what were the cutting edge technological methods of the day. At least one of the engineering ‘miracles’, the Glenfinnan viaduct, the largest poured concrete structure in existence, was destined to become a world renowned icon and not just for its ingenious method of construction.
A total of 11 tunnels and six viaducts were to be built in conquering the land
and almost as a by-product producing a route hailed globally as one of the most scenic railway journeys ever and a ‘must’ for international travellers.
Most people enjoying the trip to Mallaig, either on the regular ScotRail service or on the popular ‘Jacobite’ steam train, will scarcely think about the time and effort which went into building the line.
However, many will also find the exhibition gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the individuals who turned the plans into reality more than a century ago.
Sheer muscle power was an important part of the work using both man and horse as the line stretched out across the countryside.
Viaducts were made by pouring concrete into ‘forms’ made in the shape of walls and arches and in many places the actual shape and texture of the wooden planks can be seen forever ‘set in concrete’.
Wood was a valuable material, vital in the construction process, so was not thrown away after one use as often happens today, but used again in the making of the next structure to be built.
To emphasise this message, Glenfinnan Museum, run by Hege and her husband John who are also creators of the exhibition, have invited Lochaber Environmental Group to take part, displaying details of their work in promoting planet friendly behaviour, as well as offering the use of electric bikes to tour the immediate area. The carriage also provides enough space for groups and school parties to tour the exhibition, learning about the types of construction and their relevance in today’s world.
There is also a cafe adjoining the exhibition, where it is possible to enjoy tea, coffee and cake, while digesting the information on the building of the line. It is well worth a visit. To find out more, check out www. glenfinnantstationmusuem. co.uk
YOUNG AT HEART AND LEGS ON THE GO
Joan Kennedy Are you keen to get out and about in the countryside, but not really sure about going alone? Don’t let the latter be an issue when there is a group of friendly people who would be delighted to welcome you on their regular trips.
Lochaber Young at Heart Walking Group was launched in 1994 and has been successful over the years in attracting many people aged 50 years and over for walks, both short and day-long, to interesting locations across Lochaber and occasionally beyond.
Now that lockdown and Covid restrictions are being lifted, the group is building up a new programme of outings and would like to encourage more people to join them to enjoy the many benefits of being part of a friendly walking group.
Research has proven that being part of a group, meeting outside for physical activity has a positive effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Meeting people, making new friends, discovering new walks and socialising are just a few of the positive aspects of being part of the club.
There are weekly walks within Lochaber which last for approximately two hours and there are also shorter walks for those who feel less able. No-one should feel they cannot join in if they don’t feel up to walking for long periods.
During the summer months, when hopefully the weather is kind, the club also organises, once a month, longer all day walks travelling further afield. There are also weekly walks in Spean Bridge, Clunes, Glen Loy and Glenfinnan and all day walks at Morar to Tarbert, Tyndrum to Crianlarich and Corrour/ Loch Ossian.
The group hires a bus to take them to the start of their walk and return them at its conclusion. This leaves the lower car park near the Moorings Hotel, Banavie, at 10am on Wednesday mornings. The cost is £7.
If you are interested and would like more information please telephone 07759 979524.
Delivering All Aspects Of Civil Engineering.
New Build & Extension Groundworks Sewers & Septic Tanks Concrete & Steel Work Kerbing & Paving Works Bell Mouths & Access Roads Tar Surfaced Driveways & Car Parks Cable & Water Pipe Tracks Retaining Walls Excavation Works Excavators For Hire With Operator
Mob. 07528 801393 | info@gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk
M & L PAINTERS
* All types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and
Eaves * Facias and Soffits Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093 Highland Wide Tiling
Professional Ceramic Tiler. Clean tidy workmanship. Excellent references available
Tel: 07496 818182 Email: 1145paul@ gmail.com
Welding repairs Fabrication Railings & gates Onsite steel alterations Car & van MOT repairs Aluminium, stainless steel & mild steel welding
T 07463 612809 E gwelding@outlook.com
Michael J Kennedy
Painters & Decorators
For High Quality Workmanship
Ames Taping, Coving, Airless Spray, New Builds Commercial, Industrial & Domestic
53 Castle Dr, Lochyside, Fort William Mob 0780 335 7221 Tel 01397 703893
Established 1988
