The Railways of Stirling

The ancient burgh – now city – of Stirling has been an important point on transport routes for centuries. Here was the lowest point on the River Forth which could be crossed by a bridge. It was also on the route north to Perth and the Highlands. The main railway to the north was completed in the late 1840s and Stirling was naturally on its route. It became a junction with the construction of the line from Dunfermline in the east and that to Balloch in the west After the amalgamations of the mid-1860s, the main owner was the Caledonian Railway which ran the main line north and south, with the North British Railway operating the two branch lines. Later, the Caledonian-operated line to Oban increased the traffic. Successive improvements in the layout and facilities at the station resulted in the handsome building and station interior which we see today. Large goods yards were provided both for the extensive local industry and for the interchange of traffic. Locomotive sheds were operated by both companies and these housed an eclectic mix of older and newer engines. Today the station retains its importance in the ScotRail network and has been upgraded to meet modern traffic requirements. The late Donald Peddie spent many years assembling information for this book using his expert local knowledge and thorough research of local and national archives. All aspects of the history of the station and the surrounding facilities are covered. It is a fitting tribute to his memory.

The Railways of Stirling - Sample Images