Royal Deeside Railway
Royal Deeside Railway is based at the award-winning Milton of Crathes station, just outside Banchory. The Royal Deeside Railway recreates the original Deeside Line from Aberdeen to Ballater. Steam and diesel services start from Milton of Crathes and provide splendid views over the River Dee and the hills to the south. Refreshments are available on board.
The station building at Milton of Crathes was originally at Oldmeldrum on the Great North of Scotland Railway. Under threat of imminent collapse, Deeside Railway applied for the station’s dismantling and removal to Milton of Crathes. The re-build was completed in 2015 and the station is now a flagship for the railway, housing the ticket office, shop, waiting room and conveniences.
The station building contains a small but growing collection of railway memorabilia. For railway enthusiasts, there is a small but interesting collection of locos and rolling stock, including an original Battery Electric Multiple Unit.
The original Deeside Line opened in September 1853 between Aberdeen and Banchory, reaching Ballater some 13 years later. The railway was regularly patronised by the Royal Family and other VIP visitors to Balmoral until it closed in 1966. Thirty years later, the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society was formed and, after a great deal of hard work, passenger services re-started in 2006. Today, the railway hosts thousands of visitors who enjoy a trip on the ‘friendly line’ by the River Dee.
