Flying Scotsman services cancelled after Aviemore train crash as probe launched

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Flying Scotsman's services have been cancelled this weekend after a crash involving the train at Aviemore Rail Station.Two people were taken to Raigmore Hospital after the collision which involved the Flying Scotsman Locomotive and another train on Friday night.

Three other passengers were treated at the scene for their injuries but did not require hospital treatment. The world famous locomotive is celebrating 100 years of running this September and special events were put on at Strathspey Railway to commemorate.

However, the heritage railway has now confirmed that its departures on Saturday will have to be hauled by a stand-in locomotive.Strathspey Steam Railway confirmed that the "shunting" incident occurred when the Flying Scotsman was being coupled with Belmond’s Royal Scotsman train carriages, which were stationary in Aviemore Platform 3.The heritage railway said they notified the appropriate authorities immediately and are co-operating with their investigations.

On Friday night they said they were not going to be able to operate any Flying Scotsman services over the weekend.However, in an update this morning, Strathspey Steam Railway said services will now run on Saturday and Sunday but locomotive Ivatt 46512 would replace the Flying Scotsman.A statement said: "On account of the incident previously intimated, our Saturday and Sunday services will now run, although Ivatt 46512 will haul the train whilst the Flying Scotsman locomotive awaits inspection."Due to the current circumstances, we need to cancel the 0900 Flying Scotsman departure, but we intend to operate the 1100, 13.00, 15.00 & 17.00 departure but hauled with our own Ivatt 46512, and therefore FS ticket holders can travel on these services.