Iron Road: The Railway in Scotland

A pleasure for any railway enthusiast, this comprehensive history tells the story of technical developments in the social and cultural context of railways in Scotland, and also provides much food for thought for the future. From the beginnings of rail transportation in Scotland in the 18th century and the emergence of a national railway network in the Victorian era to the golden age of Edwardian times when steam trains carried everything and everybody, the book details the rise of an invaluable mode of transportation that was a boon to commuters and industries alike. It also covers how much of the railway network disappeared by the 20th century; steam was replaced by diesel and electric traction, and it seemed Scotland’s proud rail system was in rapid decline. Now, however, passenger numbers and railway mileage are on the increase again, and heritage railways and museums are working hard to preserve Scotland’s railway identity—a feat both celebrated and contributed to by this informative and passion-driven history.