Railfuture Ltd's AGM 2024, which took place in Edinburgh, had two visits for members. These were planned for both before and after the AGM.
We had hoped for a tour of the tram depot but this has not been possible because of work taking place on the depot roof. Instead, a train trip and two evening meals are arranged. At the bottom, are some other ideas.
Railfuture Events
Friday 12 July - Evening
In Edinburgh, we took the tram to the Newhaven stop, which is the terminus of the extension that opened on Wednesday 7th June 2023. After arriving some Railfuture directors and Scottish branch committee members walked over the road to Rishi's Indian Aroma restaurant, where a table was booked for 19.30. Members ere very welcome to join us and have a chat. We have a table booked for 16 people in the 'private room' (on the right at the rear), which should be sufficient for everyone but anyone arriving late needed to sit in the main room.
It should take about six minutes to walk there after alighting for the tram. The restaurant is also served by bus 16 from Princes Street (other buses also come to Newhaven, but by a different route).
The address is 100 Lindsay Rd, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4TZ. To make a booking, call 0131 374 4184.
Saturday 13 July - Afternoon/Evening
The AGM was scheduled to finish at 15.30, although it was possible that it may overrun by a few minutes. A train trip to Leven on the railway line that reopened on Sunday 2 June 2024 is planned, allowing for a lot of time before it departs. The train departed from Waverley station at 17.01, arriving at Leven at 18.06. Although there was a return train at 18.17 arriving at Waverley at 19.25 the plan was to have dinner at the Mavi restaurant, which is just five minutes' walk away.
We have booked a table at the Mavi from 18.15. The address is 1-3 Branch St, Leven KY8 4AW. Members will need to make their own booking - 01333 423473. This restaurant closes at 20.00. The train departed at 20.25 arriving back at Waverley at 21.31 (the earlier train departed 19.20 arriving 20.26).
The fare for the return train trip was £13.60 or £8.95 with a rail card.
Railfuture had asked ScotRail if they could provide some complimentary tickets for the return trip to Leven. Our application has been successful, and these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the AGM in the afternoon. It will be a condition that everyone with a complimentary ticket travels together, which means staying until the 20.25 departure.
Other Activities
Fancy a look underneath the magnficent Forth Bridge? There are boat trips under it and the two Forth road bridges.
See https://www.forthtours.com/boat-bridges-tours/ for details.
Have you been on the Glasgow Subway recently? New trains, from Stadler in Switzerland, were introduced in late 2023 and the old trains, dating back to the 1970s, have now been fully withdrawn. See the BBC news article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgedre0qexo.amp.
Do remember that peak-time train fares in Scotland have been suspended (until the end of September 2024), where ScotRail sets the fare. So, it's a chance to travel cheaply at peak time on Friday and Monday.
Also see: [Speaker Biographies] [Why you should attend].
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