Flying Scotsman crash: services cancelled as safety checks carried out

The famous Flying Scotsman is undergoing safety checks after a “slow speed” crash with another train in the Highlands.

Strathspey Steam Railway announced on Saturday afternoon that all services have now been cancelled this weekend until an inspection of the locomotive is carried out on Monday.

At 6.15pm on Friday night the collision happened on the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore railway station, in the Cairngorms.

It occurred when the Flying Scotsman locomotive was being shunted into place to be coupled with the Royal Scotsman train’s carriages, which were stationary.

The shed is where the Flying Scotsman is getting checked over. STV News

Two people were taken to hospital as a precaution but their injuries were not believed to be serious.

In a statement, Strathspey Steam Railway said: “The Flying Scotsman locomotive will not haul any trains this weekend as it is awaiting inspection on Monday.

“We ask for your understanding in what has been a difficult situation as we attempt to recover the position safely with third parties and any further updates will be posted to this channel. A further statement regarding our Sunday services will be made later today as soon as the situation is clear.

“The Royal Scotsman carriage set involved in last night’s incident is currently receiving a pre-inspection by a third party on behalf of its owners prior to its movement to shed to avail thorough inspection which will clear Aviemore Platform three for further services. This is taking longer than initially anticipated as we have been advised that the set has to be split into manageable sections.

“Refunds will be processed, in due course. It is proving difficult to answer all posts individually for which we apologise.”

Following the crash ScotRail confirmed its services were able to run normally through Aviemore station as the emergency response was focused on the private railway line.

The station is home to Strathspey Railway, a heritage line which takes visitors on steam trains in northern Scotland.