A famous steam engine made a visit through Tayside on Thursday.
The Tornado-hauled train named The Aberdonian arrived in Dundee at about 1pm during its inaugural journey from Edinburgh to the Granite City.
Train enthusiasts gathered at Dundee Railway Station to see the steam-powered machine firsthand.
The locomotive was greeted with renditions of Scotland the Brave and Rowan Tree by local man Ross Inglis on the bagpipes.
Thursday’s early trip marked the launch of The Aberdonian’s new route from Edinburgh through the north-east.
As the machine is not allowed to cross the Tay Rail Bridge, it runs through Dundee via Perth.
No. 60163 Tornado was made famous following appearances in the hit movie Paddington 2 and TV show Top Gear.
It is due to leave Aberdeen just before 6pm and arrive at Courier country stops at the following times:
- Stonehaven – 6.17pm
- Montrose – 6.34pm
- Carnoustie – 7.08pm (departing 7.10pm)
- Dundee – 7.26pm (departing 7.40pm)
- Perth – 8.04pm (departing 8.06pm)
- Kirkcaldy – 9.08pm
- Inverkeithing – 9.24pm
The Tornado is owned by Darlington-based A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.
The group’s commercial director Graeme Bunker said: “We are delighted to have run our first ‘Aberdonian’ special steam train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and seen so many people out to watch Tornado steam by.
“It was particularly pleasing to have a piper mark our arrival into Dundee as we headed north. We now look forward to further runs in August and September.”
The trust is currently building a new Class P2 locomotive, No. 2007 Prince of Wales, which historically hauled passenger trains between Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The Aberdonian will run again on August 1, 8 and 31; and on September 7.
