A much-loved attraction is steaming back into the heart of Inverness as work begins on a spectacular new model railway in the Victorian Market.
The project has been more than a year in the making, driven by countless volunteer hours and support from partners across the Highlands.
Installation is now under way in the Market’s Food Hall, with the finished railway set to bring joy to generations of locals and visitors alike.
Depute Provost Jackie Hendry said she was thrilled to see the plans take shape.
“Generations of locals and visitors have fond memories of previous model railways in the Victorian Market, and I am delighted that this highly anticipated new railway will return a first class service to the Victorian Market.”
Her fellow Depute Provost Morven Reid echoed the excitement, adding:
“Not only will the railway delight customers to the Market and increase footfall it will also attract model railway enthusiasts from afar.
“The project also has much wider possibilities for the future including new volunteering, and sponsorship opportunities and supporting special events in the Market.”
Supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund, the railway is a true community endeavour.
The Highland Council and Market staff are working hand in hand with the Inverness and District Model Railway Club, KMS Railtech, and students at UHI Inverness.
Highland Industrial Supplies have also backed the project with a generous donation of tools and materials.
When complete, the design will feature 110 metres of O gauge track on an elevated baseboard, with Highland scenery as the backdrop.
Digital Command Control will bring the model to life, operating lights, points, signals and multiple locomotives running in harmony.
Project Manager Robert McCubbin of Highland Council said:
“The approach we took to designing the railway was the same as any other architectural or engineering project just miniature in scale, but still requiring a great level of detailed, precision, care and attention.”
Victorian Market Manager Cameron McFarlane praised the passion of the delivery team, thanking tenants for their patience during the works and expressing confidence that the railway will bring fresh energy to the Market once complete.
For the Inverness and District Model Railway Club, the project has been a labour of love.
Chair Graeme Swanson said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure for the club to work on the planning for the installation of the Victorian Market model railway.
“We are also very pleased to have been commissioned by the Inverness Common Good for the future running and maintenance of the railway and look forward to keeping it on track and to timetable once it is open.”
KMS Railtech directors Mike Sutherland and Karl Stevens said they were proud to help meet the demanding technical specifications, while UHI Inverness students are designing live camera feeds so the railway can be enjoyed on screens inside the Market and, in time, online.
As construction progresses, visitors to the Victorian Market can catch glimpses of the work under way.
The Market is open daily, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays, and the team behind the project is confident the railway will soon become a much-loved part of Inverness life once again.
For further information on the Victorian Market click HERE
