Rail Freight: Scotland

In the early 1980s, Ravenscraig steel works was the biggest source of rail freight north of the border, handling iron ore, coal, lime, and scrap. Today, it is a distant memory, and coal is no longer carried by rail anywhere in Scotland. Wagonload freight has also disappeared, but rail freight has done well in some areas, such as the cement works at Oxwellmains and Grangemouth refinery. Intermodal traffic has grown substantially, with several regular Anglo-Scottish flows on the West and East Coast main lines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2023
Publisher: Key Publishing Ltd

In the early 1980s, Ravenscraig steel works was a dominant force in rail freight north of the border, handling a wide range of materials including iron ore, coal, lime, scrap, semi-finished, and finished products. The opencast coal industry was thriving, leading to the reopening of some lines later in the decade. Wagonload freight continued to serve rural lines, particularly the Far North line, where numerous intermediate stations handled general freight such as seed potatoes and fertilizer.

However, today, Ravenscraig is a distant memory, and coal is no longer transported by rail in Scotland. Wagonload freight has also disappeared, despite attempts to revive the concept in the early 2000s. Nonetheless, rail freight has seen some success in certain areas. The cement works at Oxwellmains is a significant user of rail, and Grangemouth refinery still produces three trainload flows. Intermodal traffic has grown significantly, with regular Anglo-Scottish flows on the West and East Coast main lines, as well as internal movements to Aberdeen and Inverness.

This comprehensive volume, featuring over 160 photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, explores the evolving landscape of rail freight in Scotland. It delves into the changes in traction, rolling stock, and railway infrastructure over four decades, providing a detailed account of the industry's transformation.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802821659