Announcement Last Waverley Train

This episode details the construction of the Border Union Railway, specifically the challenging section between Shankend and Whitrope, from 1859 to 1862. It meticulously chronicles the engineering difficulties encountered on the Whitrope Contract, such as the significant water ingress in Whitrope Tunnel and persistent land slippage due to adverse weather, alongside the development of major structures like Shankend Viaduct and the Golden Bridge. The account also highlights the management of a large workforce and the logistical efforts required to procure materials and equipment, ultimately leading to the railway's completion and opening almost a year behind schedule.

Building the Waverley Route : The Whitrope Contract, 1859-62

I'm a railway historian living in Scotland, and have been researching and writing about the railways of the Scottish Borders for almost 30 years. Several of my articles appear here as episodes, and my original articles are available to read in the Waverley Route Heritage Association journals.

Building the Waverley Route : The Whitrope Contract, 1859-62

Scottish Borders Railway History

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