Wick and Lybster Light Railway

Wick and Lybster Railway
Locale Scotland Dates of operation 1 July 1903 – 31 December 1922 Successor London Midland and Scottish Railway Track gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Legend
Wick    Sutherland and Caithness Railway Thrumster Welsh's Crossing Halt Ulbster Mid Clyth Roster Road Halt Occumster Parkside Halt Lybster

The Wick and Lybster Light Railway was a light railway worked by the Highland Railway in Caithness, Scotland following a coastal route south from Wick to Lybster. It was intended to profit from the fishery based in Lybster but the harbour declined not long after the line opened. It was built under the Light Railways Act 1896.

History

Although the line was worked at cost by the Highland Railway, it remained independent until becoming part of the LMS in 1923. The line gained additional passenger traffic in the 1920s and 1930s when the people of Wick voted for prohibition of alcohol sales. Drinkers would travel to bars near to stations on the line. The last trains ran after a short life in 1944, and the line was officially closed in 1951.

Connections to other lines

A 1909 Railway Clearing House map showing (right) part of the Wick & Lybster Railway (violet) and the junction at Wick

• Sutherland and Caithness Railway at Wick

Current operations

The line is closed, with Wick railway station remaining open as part of the Far North Line.

External links

• RAILSCOT on Wick and Lybster Railway