The Railways of Stirling

The city of Stirling, situated in the centre of Scotland has always been an important point on transport routes for centuries. It was at the lowest point of the River Forth which could be bridged and was hence on routes north to Perth and to the Highlands.

The main railway to the north was completed in the 1840s, and Stirling was on its route. It also became a junction when the line from Dunfermline in the east was built together with the line west to Balloch on Loch Lomond. Subsequently the opening of the Caallender & Oban line which left the mainline at Dunblane, six miles to the north added more traffic to the already busy station.

As a station,the buildings were and still are very attractive, and its layout has been upgraded  to reflect its continuing importance in the ScotRail network, including electrification of the mainline north.

Until nearly the end of steam, Stirling had two locomotive sheds, reflecting the fact that both the Caledonian and the North British Railways operated there.

A complex story, especially in the early years, and a huge amount of interesting information for railway historians, enthusiasts and modellers. 144 well produced pages,around 220 B&W photographs, plus numerous drawings, maps, plans and signalling diagrams. Hardbound.