2-913-786 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Great North of Scotland Railway - The Huntly Station, 1854. Locals turn out for the arrival of the first steam train in their town. 'The formal opening of this line, extending railway communication forty miles north from Aberdeen, in all but unbroken connection with the great railway system throughout the kingdom, took place...The special train started from Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, at eleven o'clock...consisting of twenty-five carriages, drawn by two engines, and containing the directors and officials of the line, with a number of other gentlemen, amounting in all to about 400...The journey from Aberdeen to Huntly occupied two hours, and the scenery along the line, though not entitled to be called striking is yet very pleasing'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.