Buzzard delays historic steam train

Leaves on the line, landslide and signal failure are the usual cause of delaying a train but passengers on the 14.05 historic steam train departure from Bo’ness on Thursday 19 July watched in amazement as their train was delayed by a buzzard on the line!

Having the previous day unfortunately come into contact with the front driving wheel of Morayshire, a 119 ton green locomotive built in 1928 and recently brought back in to service by the volunteers of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society who operate the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, the buzzard bounced back off the locomotive and landed back at the side of the line, presumed not to have survived. Common Buzzards are a regular sight for drivers at the railway along with deer, squirrels and rabbits but usually make a quick getaway upon hearing the chuffing of a steam train approaching.

Setting out with a train full of passengers eager to discover the pretty heritage railway line for themselves the following day, train staff were surprised to see that the bird was very much alive and in the same place.  The train was halted and Driver Bill White & Guard John Spacey went to investigate and subsequently called the Scottish SPCA to deal with the injured animal. The Scottish SPCA officer was watched by a train load of fascinated passengers as she gently assessed the buzzard and concluded that it had only sustained concussion. The buzzard was taken for further care to the Scottish SPCA.