Scotrail HSTs at Montrose
South Esk
26 June 2024
We’ve been staying overnight in Montrose, and before
we leave, it would be good to record some rail
movements over the single-track South Esk viaduct.
Since 1967, when the former Caledonian line from Perth
to Kinnaber Junction closed, this part of the east coast
main line has also carried Glasgow - Aberdeen traffic.
There would be three trains in around 15 minutes, all
operated by Scotrail Inter7City HSTs - the 0730
Edinburgh to Aberdeen, due at 0926; the 0741 Glasgow
Queen St to Aberdeen, due at 0938 and the 0905
Aberdeen to Edinburgh, leaving Montrose at 0941.
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
The road bridge over the waterway, which connects the
Montrose Basin with the North Sea, is well placed: three
trains, three positions - the south end, the north end
and, for a slightly more elevated viewpoint, the centre.
But such a dull morning! - what a difference some
sunshine would have made. I’ll have to revisit!
Realtime Trains says the motive power was:
0730 Edinburgh - Aberdeen: 43133 and 43126
0741 Glasgow - Aberdeen: 43142 and 43182
0905 Aberdeen - Edinburgh: 43145 and 43035
Link: North British, Arbroath and Montrose Railway
