Winter Talk Series 2025/6
Mike Hogg reveals what it took to operate the railways of Ayrshire in the 1980s in November. Copyright Bob Avery.
Returning for another year, and a firm favourite among members of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, our series of online talks aims to reveal the hidden stories of Scotland’s railways and to keep you up to date with all the latest news from around Bo’ness.
The talks will be held on the third Tuesday of every month from October 2025 until March 2026 at 7.30pm (UK time). Here is what we have planned this season:
2025/6 SCHEDULE
21.10.25 Kenny Williamson discusses the Waverley Route in 1963 and SRPS’ Head of Civil Engineering, Andrew Anderson reveals what is involved in engineering the BKR ‘civilly’.
18.11.25 One of BR ScotRail’s top operators, Mike Hogg, uncovers what was involved in operating Ayrshire’s railways in the 1980s. Plus, the BKR’s Head of Signalling &Telegraph department, Donald McLeish, shares some insights on signalling Birkhill.
16.12.25 Alistair Maclean shows off his extensive photographic collection and talks ‘Real Steam’.
20.01.26 Discover how our Steam engineers are bringing ‘Morayshire’ back to the line in 2026.
17.02.26 How many steam engines on Paddle Steamer ‘Waverley’? David Shirres tells us more.
17.03.26 We go down under with Queensland based friend of the SRPS, Greg Hallam, and take a trip ‘From ‘The Loft’ to the Lochs’.
Details of how to join the session will be circulated by email. Non-members are welcome to attend as guests and can access the link by contacting our team at museum@srps.org.uk.
The Winter Talks series is convened by the Museum of Scottish Railways. Attendance is free though a donation of £2.50 is encouraged. All money raised from the talks will benefit the care of the museum’s extensive collection and archive.