The social and communications role of the steam train on the Inverness to Kyle line in the Scottish highlands, with shots of goods, livestock and parcels being loaded and unloaded. Crofters are seen ploughing fields and cutting peat.
Here we see an example of the way rail lines provided important links for
trade and communication. Goods, livestock and post are taken to and from the
train, as it rests in this small remote Highland station. Note how the engine
driver hands down the tablet to the station master. This tablet or key served as
a safeguard for sections of single line railway track. Only the engine driver
who had this permit could travel the track, thus ensuring against meeting
another train coming in the opposite direction. The line is still open today,
functioning as a community service as well as a popular tourist route to the
isles.
Complete film (9:36)
