The Isle of Mull Railway operated between Craignure Pier and Torosay Castle from 1983 until its closure in 2010. Built as a narrow-gauge miniature railway, it offered visitors a short but memorable journey through woodland and coastal scenery. For nearly three decades, it functioned as both a visitor attraction and a scenic link between the ferry terminal and the castle. Its closure followed the sale of Torosay Castle and marked the end of a distinctive chapter in the island’s history.
Origins and Purpose
The Isle of Mull Railway was founded by David James, then owner of Torosay Castle, with the involvement of local businessman and railway enthusiast Graham Ellis. The aim was to create a scenic link between the ferry terminal at Craignure and the castle grounds, improving visitor access while offering a heritage railway experience. The line measured approximately 1.25 miles and was built to a 10¼-inch (260 mm) narrow-gauge specification. It ran through woodland and open terrain, with views across Duart Bay and the Sound of Mull.
The railway quickly became popular with tourists, particularly those arriving by ferry or cruise ship. It provided an easy and atmospheric way to reach the castle and proved especially appealing to families and steam enthusiasts. The short journey, typically lasting around ten minutes, offered a sense of occasion without requiring a significant time commitment.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock
The Isle of Mull Railway operated a fleet of six locomotives, including both steam and diesel engines. The main steam locomotives were Lady of the Isles, Victoria, and Waverley. The diesel locomotives included Frances, Glen Audlyn, and the Green Diesel. These locomotives, along with 12 passenger coaches and several wagons, allowed the railway to carry visitors and support maintenance operations.
After the railway closed, most locomotives and rolling stock were relocated to the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway in Staffordshire, where they are preserved and in some cases still operate.
Operation and Visitor Experience
The railway operated seasonally, focusing on the main tourist months. Staff included a mix of paid employees and volunteers, many with an interest in steam railways and local history. Passengers boarded at Craignure, travelled through woodland and coastal scenery, and arrived at the castle entrance.
Torosay Castle itself was a major part of the appeal. Built in the mid-19th century and expanded in the Edwardian era, it featured Italianate gardens, period interiors, and extensive collections. The railway and castle together offered a combined attraction for a broad range of visitors.
Decline and Closure
The railway’s future was closely tied to Torosay Castle. When the estate was put on the market in 2010, the railway lost its primary destination. Regular operations ended in October 2010, with a limited summer service in 2011. The lease expired later that year, and by 2012 the track had been lifted and rolling stock removed.
The closure was not due to declining visitor interest. Passenger numbers remained healthy, but operating independently of the estate presented logistical and financial challenges that could not be overcome.
Impact on Local Tourism
The closure was felt in Craignure and the surrounding area. Cruise ship visitors lost a popular short excursion, and visitor numbers to Torosay Castle declined. Although Duart Castle remains a major attraction, the closure reduced the variety of heritage experiences available locally.
For many, the railway had become part of Mull’s character. Its absence left a gap in accessible, short excursions. While the station buildings at Craignure were repurposed, the atmosphere created by the railway was not replaced.
Legacy and Preservation
Although the railway no longer operates, its legacy remains. Locomotives and carriages were relocated to other heritage railways, and photographs and personal recollections are preserved by enthusiasts and local historians. The railway continues to be referenced in discussions of Scottish heritage railways and island tourism.
Ideas for commemorating the line, such as a heritage trail along its former route, have been discussed, but no formal proposals have emerged. With the infrastructure removed, reinstatement would be challenging, but the railway continues to be remembered fondly by those who experienced it.
A Quiet Farewell to a Much-Loved Line
The Isle of Mull Railway was a small but memorable element of the island’s tourism landscape. It combined transport, heritage, and scenery in a way that complemented one of Mull’s most notable estates. Its closure was due to estate ownership changes and practical constraints, not a lack of public interest. Today, it stands as an example of how locally driven projects can leave a lasting impression on a place.
For those exploring Mull’s transport history or developing content on local heritage, the story of the railway offers valuable context. While the track has disappeared, the influence of the Isle of Mull Railway continues to form part of the island’s cultural narrative.
