RESIDENTS in Victorian costume were on the platform of Dunkeld and Birnam Station yesterday to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

On April 7, 1856, the station became the terminus of the Perth and Dunkeld railway line, a position it was to retain until the line was extended to Blair Atholl eight years later.

Eventually, the line was continued to Inverness.

The Earl of Mansfield, whose great-great grandfather was chairman of the Perth and Dunkeld Railway Company, unveiled a plaque on the platform which in its hey-day was a regular destination for London society.

Other guests yesterday included Perth and Kinross Provost Bob Scott, Lady Mansfield, Andy Mellors of First ScotRail, Dr Ann Glen and representatives from Dunkeld and Birnam Historical Society and Highland Railway Heritage.

Mr Mellors said, “It is an honour to be involved in this event, which provides an opportunity to not only commemorate the history of the line but also to look at how far we have come and at what the future of Scotland’s railway holds.”

Provost Scott added, “The railway line and the important transport link it provides to the Highland Perthshire area is invaluable.

“I believe this is a fitting celebration of what has been a tremendous service to local people, visitors and businesses over the last 150 years.”

Later, a reception was held in the Birnam Institute which is hosting photographic exhibition Perth And Dunkeld And Round About, showing some of the photos taken by railway buff Alex Coupar of Dundee.

The civic reception was, however, a pale shadow of the lunch at the original opening, which ran two hours over schedule and ended with several “patriotic” speeches.

Guests arrived in an 11-carriage train.

Its central carriage was specially built for the use of directors of the company, complete with stained glass windows.