HUNDREDS of passengers were left gutted after a collision involving the Flying Scotsman sparked cancellation chaos.
The world’s most famous train was pulled out of service following a “shunting incident” with the Belmont-operated Royal Scotsman carriages at Aviemore train station, Inverness-shire, on Friday evening.
SuppliedThe famous train was involved in a collision last night[/caption]
SuppliedTrain fans Brian Harrington, 71, his wife Sue, 61, and their daughter Emma, 30 were left disappointed[/caption]
SuppliedHundreds of passengers were left standing on the platform after the train was pulled out of action[/caption]
Emergency crews rushed to the small town and two people were taken to hospital.
The historic engine was supposed to be hauling special passenger services today on the private Strathspey Railway line.
But following the incident on Friday night the Flying Scotsman was pulled out of action, triggering cancellations and leaving hundreds of visitors disappointed.
Large queues formed on platform three at Aviemore station as worried passengers waited anxiously to hear if their train was running.
Brian Harrington, 71, was due to ride on the 11am service with his wife Sue, 61, and their daughter Emma, 30.
The family had travelled 330 miles from Saltburn-by-the Sea, North Yorks, and were booked on the 11am service.
But they were turned away and told the luxury service would not be operating.
Mr Harrington, a “train fanatic” said: “We’re not getting on the 11am.
“We heard the inspector who was supposed to check over the 9am has not arrived yet.
“It’s a long shot it will run tomorrow.
“We will hedge our bets and try and transfer the tickets.
“I love steams trains.”
Housewife Sue said: “We were in the hotel and seen blue lights after it happened.
“We’ve came from the northeast.
“We travelled up all day yesterday.”
She added: “It was a special treat this weekend. Brian’s a train fanatic.”
Some passengers paid £50 for plush seats in the observation carriage of the Strathspey Railway services.
One woman, who was supposed to be travelling on the axed 9am train, said: “I’m gutted. I was really looking forward to our trip on the Flying Scotsman.
“We were booked on the 9am but it’s not running.
“We had reserved seats in the observation carriage.
“They told us to go online for a refund. I think there will be a lot of disappointed people, especially if they’ve came from far away.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Another woman said: “I was walking nearby and heard an almighty bang.
“The Flying Scotsman was attaching to the Royal Scotsman.”
A third passenger added: “Everything’s up in the air because of the incident last night.
“Another steam train will be arriving but it won’t be the Flying Scotsman.”
A man and women sustained minor injuries after the collision.
The passenger and crew member were later discharged from Raigmore Hosptial in Inverness.
A source said: “It’s pretty bad, everything’s twisted. It’s going to take a few weeks to sort.
“It’s operation cleanup now.
“Every glass in the train’s broken.”
Strathspey Railway has been offering refunds to affected travellers.
A spokesperson for the heritage firm said: “Appropriate authorities were notified and immediately and we are cooperating with their investigations.
“Due to the ongoing investigations, unfortunately we are not able to operate any Flying Scotsman trains on Saturday or Sunday.
“Our thoughts are with those affected and their families and friends.”
Police Scotland launched a probe after the collision and officers’ enquiries are ongoing.
SuppliedThe train was due to do a special service on the private Strathspay railway line[/caption]
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