History
The original Alford Railway was first established in 1846 (over 150 years ago!). It was connected to the Aberdeen to Inverness railway and transported people and livestock to the small villages and districts along its route. It thrived for many years, but traffic started to reduce during the 1950s. Eventually, around 1966 the railway was closed, due to government changes. Over the next few years many local enthusiasts, doggedly led by businessman James Gordon, worked very hard to re-introduce the railway. Alford needed to attract tourists and visitors to the village. The Grampian Transport Museum and the Railway were seen as major attractions; both of these massive projects were successfully completed by the late 70s and early 80s and both breathed life and excitement into the village of Alford. During the railway’s development, James Gordon formed a company called the Alford Valley Railway Company Limited, to manage railway business, and to buy rail track and locomotives. The railway was much smaller than it had been previously, being a 2 gauge railway (that means that there are 2 feet between the railway lines or, 24 inches), but, it was independently owned, and would never be closed down again. With the continued help of close friends and volunteers, the small railway evolved. Since it re-opened, over half a million people have travelled on the Alford Valley Railway. Today, the railway is thriving, and has a full programme of events. For more information about the Alford Valley Railway and its history, please contact their web site: Alford Valley Railway
