Old Site of Mull Railway

The old site of the Mull Railway refers to the former route of the Isle of Mull Railway, which operated on the island from 1983 until its closure in 2010-2011. This narrow-gauge line, measuring 10¼ inches (260 mm) in gauge and approximately 1¼ miles (2.0 km) long, ran between the ferry terminal at Craignure and Torosay Castle. It was conceived as a tourist attraction, designed to transport visitors from the ferry to the castle and gardens, which had been opened to the public.

Construction of the railway began in April 1982, with its official opening to passengers taking place on June 22, 1984. The route traversed varied terrain, including areas that utilized part of an unfinished 19th-century drive intended for Torosay Castle, as well as overcoming obstacles like rocky outcrops and peat bogs. Over its years of operation, the Isle of Mull Railway became known as Scotland’s original island passenger railway, carrying a significant number of passengers annually, often between 25,000 and 30,000.

The railway ceased operations due to changes in the ownership and viability of Torosay Castle, with its lease expiring in October 2011. Following its closure, the track was lifted in October 2012, and much of the railway’s assets, including locomotives and rolling stock, were purchased and relocated to the Leek and Rudyard Railway in Staffordshire, England, where the legacy of the Isle of Mull Railway continues to be celebrated. The original track bed on Mull is now primarily a walking path, offering a historical trace of this unique island railway.