Our History

Our history through the years from the original Alford Valley Railway to the birth of the new Alford Valley Community Railway

1856

Construction Begins

Construction begins of the Alford to Kintore Line a branch line of the main Aberdeen to Inverness line

1859

Line Officially Opened 30th July

The line was absorbed by the Great North of Scotland Railway and known as Alford Valley Railway

1949

Passenger Services Stopped

The last passenger services ran on the 31st December

1965

Freight Services Stopped

The last freight train ran on the 31st December

1979

Alford Valley Railway Narrow Gauge Opens

2ft Narrow Gauge Alford Valley Railway opened by local railway enthusiast Mr James Gordon

1980's

New Branch Line

Haughton Park to Murray Park line opened

1984

Alford To Haughton Park Line Opened

Using the original station platform and running between centre of Alford and Haughton Country Park

2017

Alford Valley Railway Narrow Gauge Closed

Sadly this year saw the closure of the railway due to concerns over the condition of the track and rolling stock

2019

Community Interest

Local community volunteer group supported by Aberdeenshire Council, Marr Area Partnership and Donside Community Council got together to investigate via a feasibility study the possibility of taking on the railway as a community project

2020

Community Benefit Society Registered 20th October

Alford Valley Community Railway is registered as a Community Benefit Society.

Community benefit societies (BenComs) conduct business for the benefit of their community. Profits are not distributed among members, or external shareholders, but returned to the community.

2021

Alford Valley Community Railway Ltd, Charity Registered 24th June

A Registered Charity known as AVCR is created with the purposes of "The advancement of education, The advancement of citizenship or community development, The advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science"

2022

Lease Approved 12th August

After much hard work and commitment by the Board and its associates, we have finalised the Lease between ourselves and Aberdeenshire Council and now have the keys.