Arbroath could see one of its oldest tourist attractions extended if ambitious plans are given the go-ahead by the local authority.
Kerr’s Miniature Railway has stood in the Scottish town since 1935 and has been delighting visitors for generations and now the owners are looking to expand the site beyond its current confines. However, these proposals have hit the buffers after early indications from Angus Council contacts suggested that the plans would not be passed if put before the governing body of the town.
Speaking to the Arbroath Herald, John Kerr, the grandson of founder Matthew Kerr Snr, said that he is hoping to have some discussions with Angus Council’s planning department to seek some guidance in what they need to do before submitting an application that would be considered and possibly accepted.
“Having been told that what we have in mind would not be passed, there would be no point in going ahead and applying for it. I’ve been trying for two months to get a meeting set up,” Mr Kerr added.
The 17-year-old revealed to the news provider that should the plans be given the go-ahead it would see the creation of a new station, with platforms, a turntable and maybe even a bridge. An old turntable at Hospitalfield Halt would be brought back to life and a loop on the line would be upgraded meaning that two trains could run at any one time.
Arbroath’s famous miniature railway shows the popularity of steam engines and other hobbies of this ilk. Model trains are also coming back into vogue with Mamod releasing a commemorative Diamond Jubilee model in correlation with Queen Elizabeth II celebrating 60 years on the throne.
The steam locomotive is available in a ruby red colour complete with brass spectacles and a brass chimney cowl and has a numbered limited edition plaque mounted to its roof. The model would make the perfect gift for any steam engine fanatic looking for a truly special addition to their collection.