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Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Kilmarnock and Troon Railway is Recognised with Scotland's Latest Red Wheel

  • Submitted by: Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
  • Date lodged: Monday, 16 January 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-07480

That the Parliament congratulates the Kilmarnock and District History Group and the Harbour Bar for the work they did in Troon to promote the local history of rail transport, leading to the unveiling of Scotland's latest Red Wheel by The National Transport Trust; notes that the Red Wheel Scheme was created by the National Transport Trust to recognise and commemorate the most significant sites of historical importance to transport heritage in the United Kingdom; understands that in 1808 an Act of Parliament was passed for the Kilmarnock to Troon Railway, which was one of Scotland's first passenger-carrying lines; notes that it was opened in 1812, and that the real purpose of this double-tracked, one-and-a-half-mile line was to carry coal from the Duke of Portland's Kilmarnock collieries, mostly for export to Ireland; understands that regular passengers were also carried for the first time in coaches called  the Caledonias, and that by 1814 they were able to travel by rail from Kilmarnock to Troon for weekends and holidays, leading, it understands, to Troon becoming a popular holiday resort in the 19th Century; notes that, for the first few years, wagons were horse drawn, but that in 1820, the Duke bought Scotland's first steam locomotive, which, it understands, was named the Duke and was supplied by George Stephenson; understands that this locomotive stayed in service until 1848, by which time it was considered to have substantially improved the efficiency of the coal industry and had a positive impact on the lives of the community; further understands that, by the end of the 1800s, Troon was among the top ten coal ports in Britain; believes that the railway resulted in the Laigh Milton Viaduct, which is the earliest surviving viaduct on a public railway and, recently restored, awaits a new sustainable use; recognises that the Kilmarnock and Troon District History Group is promoting that the viaduct has potential to be utilised as part of an active travel route, and wishes it well in future endeavours in promoting local heritage and history of Ayrshire.  


Supported by: Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Siobhian Brown, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Sharon Dowey, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Colin Smyth, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White