A Highland charity is appealing for public support to help safeguard a historic children’s railway in the heart of Inverness.
Highland Hospice has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to raise £5,000 towards the re-development of the Ness Islands Railway – just days after a section of the track came under attack by suspected vandals.
All funds raised will be used to repair the destroyed Ness Islands crossing and purchase another engine for the signature train, to help keep the railway running in the decades ahead.
Head of fundraising for the charity, Andrew Leaver said the donations will help them improve the “passenger experience” for “many, many more people”.
He said: “Following the vandalism to the historic bridge at the railway we received an outpouring of support. It is clear that the railway is a much-loved community asset which has brought smiles to the faces of generations of Invernessians, some of whom were asking about making a donation to support repairs.
“We set up the crowdfunding page in response and are delighted that over 10% of our target was raised in less than 24 hours. It is heartening to know that the railway means so much to so many people.”
The railway – which was first established as a family-owned business in 1983 – was forced to close on Friday as a section of the track was deemed unsafe, after a bridge was left with a gaping hole.
Following closer inspection, the attraction dating back more than three decades was found to have sustained significant damage, leading to the 36-year-old track being rerouted away from the crossing.
The charity is now hopeful to bring forward their planned renovation works on the crossing – costing in the region of £12,000 to £15,000 – to replace all the timbers and repaint the entire structure.
The six weeks programme of works have been brought forward thanks to a funding boost from the Inverness City Heritage Trust.
Highland Hospice, a charity offering specialist care and support to terminally-ill individuals, commandeered the railway in April this year with all funds generated being used to support the delivery of services by the charity.
