Dates confirmed for Flying Scotsman return to East Lancashire Railway this year

The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) will play host to the most iconic steam engine in history - when the Flying Scotsman returns to its tracks this summer.

The celebrated locomotive, which is owned by the National Railway Museum, was supposed to be the star attraction in an Easter weekend bonanza of steam’s golden age on the heritage railway, but coronavirus restrictions meant that the event had to be postponed.
 

Read more: Flying Scotsman to return to East Lancs Railway in 2021 for celebration of steam’s golden agePublished: 28 December 2020

Now, the heritage railway is excited to reveal new dates for the beloved locomotive to return - at the end of summer 2021.

Passengers who booked tickets for the Easter weekend can transfer to the new dates: Sunday 29 August, Monday 30 August, Friday 3 September, Saturday 4 September, and Sunday 5 September. 

The tickets will be valid for one return trip Bury to Rawtenstall in a reserved seat.

Existing Bury to Heywood ticket holders will also receive a complimentary upgrade to the higher priced Bury to Rawtenstall trip.

Tickets for the new dates are now on general sale.

If social distancing regulations allow, ticket holders will also receive complimentary access to two more special train services which will be announced in due course.

Locomotive No. 60103, Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 by the LNER to haul express passenger services between London and Edinburgh and it quickly became a favourite with the travelling public. 

Cherished by steam enthusiasts for the pivotal role it occupies in the history of British rail travel, Flying Scotsman famously became the first locomotive to officially travel at 100 miles per hour.

In 2004, the locomotive was saved for the nation and bought by the National Railway Museum with assistance from numerous organisations and the public. After a long and complex restoration in the workshop of Riley & Son (E) Ltd, the locomotive returned to the tracks in 2016 and now hauls passenger services across the country.

 

 

ELR Chairman Mike Kelly said: “We are truly delighted to play host once again to the most iconic locomotive in history. We were devastated not once but twice when we had to cancel the Scotsman’s return to the ELR because of Covid-19.

“Whilst the railway has been through some challenging times recently due to the coronavirus outbreak it’s great to now have some exciting and positive events to look forward to, allowing us to offer our loyal customers who stood by us a rare chance to ride behind this giant of steam in 2021.

“The ELR really comes alive on weekends like this. It’s such a special occasion for steam enthusiasts and families alike and we look forward to welcoming them all.”

Coming out of lockdown, treat yourselves to a fantastic day out on the ELR, by visiting:

• www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk