October 11, 2012

West Highland Line 11th October 2012

The scenic West Highland Line is featured in Great British Railway Journeys (with Michael Portillo)
The five part journey begins with the section from Ayr to Paisley, before embarking on that most scenic of routes across magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct and on to Mallaig....and the Isle of Skye.
Watch the current rerun of this series on BBC iPlayer HERE 


To all those who have a love of steam locomotion in general, and the West Highland line in particular, then this latest addition to Panamint’s catalogue will be a must-buy!

From: PANAMINT CINEMA
“The Definitive West Highland Film Collection”


 


1. “West Highland”. (1960 b/w)The director, John Gray, was a member of the 1930’s GPO Film Unit, famously responsible for the iconic “Night Mail” (1932). The similarities in style abound, but the BBC Radiophonic Workshop trademark sounds (remember Dr Who!!) place this in the 1960s…which it is!!
A delightful encapsulation of a day on the line, capturing the line’s character, and the human interest as evidenced in the work of footplate crew, station staff….and all in digitally re-mastered black and white.


2. “A Line For All Seasons” 1980.(Colour) With its breathtaking photography, stunning sequences and vivid imagery of Scottish landscape in all its rugged grandeur..(especially Rannoch Moor…..and the recreation of the historic walking of the proposed route by key personnel who narrowly avoid a disastrous fate when caught out by the sudden deterioration in the weather) this is a worthy addition to the West Highland’s legacy.


3. A 1939(b/w) tribute ,”West of Inverness”, narrated by McDonald Hobley, to the hardy remaining inhabitants of remote areas in Scotland’s beautifully rugged west…where time seems to have stood still.. and future hopes, and population growth, depend on tourism.


The essential public service provided by the 3 daily trains is emphasized ..and seen to be priceless…



4. “The Line to Skye” (1973,colour) The important role of the railway ..and the Isle of Skye. Romantic and practical, this beautifully filmed piece invites us to go there ..now!


To obtain your copy……..go to

http://www.panamint.co.uk/acatalog/West-Highland.html


And this site provides an opportunity to support this line.....

The Friends of the West Highland Lineswww.westhighlandline.org.uk.

The Friends of the West Highland Lines promote development of the train services through the West Highlands. We want high quality trains, more frequent services, through tickets and reliable connections with ferries and local buses. Better transport for local people and visitors will increase accessibility and benefit the economy of the Highlands.
The Friends publish a magazine, West Highland News Plus, three times per year containing the latest news, photographs and historical articles covering the WEST HIGHLAND LINES, plus the SCOTRAIL NETWORK, and ON THE WATERFRONT ferry news. This is free to members of the Society. Members can also attend our AGM which is normally held in the spring at locations on the West Highland Lines. The range of guest speakers over the years have given interesting insights into the operation and organisation of rail transport through the rugged countryside of the West Highlands. See the News Section for the latest information.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Tell us your Railway News!