Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander met with members of the Strathspey Steam Railway Company (SSRC) to find more about their fundraising plans to extend the stretch between Broomhill Station and Grantown.
The two-mile stretch is the final part of the company’s goal of completing the 14 miles of track which links Aviemore to Grantown.
Mr Alexander, a strong supporter of the project, said: “It was both fascinating and enormously impressive to see behind the scenes at the Strathspey Railway.
“It is only through the extraordinary work of a large number of volunteers carrying out a wide range of specialised tasks that we have the railway for so many people to enjoy.
“The plan to extend the railway to Grantown is one of the most exciting projects going on in the Strath at the moment. It will be a big boost to tourism locally, providing a wonderful new attraction for Grantown, as well as offering benefits to local people.
“With the current Scottish Government re-confirming the support of the previous administration for realigning the A95 at Gaich, the way is open for the extension to take place.”
He added: “The Strathspey Steam Railway Company deserves strong support from public and private sectors and the local community. I, along with many others, will be working to ensure that its fundraising drive for the extension succeeds.”
John Partridge, director of the SSRC, said: “I’m confident that we will raise this money because there is so much support that we have for it, from government to the local community and general community in Strathspey to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council.”
He added that he hoped work would begin on the extension in 2013/2014.
The former Grantown Station was demolished after the closure of the line in 1965 when passenger services from Aviemore to Forres and Elgin, and goods services from Boat of Garten were withdrawn.
