Central Scotland's Steam Railway by the Firth of Forth
A journey back in time and a great day out for all the family

Visit the Scottish Railway Exhibition and explore the caverns of Birkhill Mine

The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway is home to the volunteers of The Scottish Railway Preservation Society and houses the largest collection of locomotives, carriages, wagons and railwayana in Scotland.

Experience a journey on board a restored steam train, along the shores of the River Forth to Birkhill where you can explore the Avon Gorge and Birkhill Fireclay Mine. Several historic buildings have been obtained and re-erected to provide a traditional railway setting.

For more information, current timetable, fares and details about special events including Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine, Santa Steam Specials and more, visit
The Scottish Railway Preservation Society website

A unique part of Scotland's Industrial Heritage, Birkhill station opened in 1989, and since then passengers have enjoyed the opportunity to tour the caverns of Birkhill Fireclay Mine.

Situated in the Avon Gorge beside Birkhill Station, the Mine is open on every day when trains are runnning. High quality high alumina fireclay was dug from the mine and formed into bricks which lined the industrial furnaces of Central Scotland. Part of the vast labyrinth dug through the fireclay seam has been opened up to visitors, and you can enjoy a thrilling underground tour of the old workings.

Tour guides will meet your train at Birkhill Station and then lead you down into the ancient woodland of the beautiful Avon Gorge and on into the Mine caverns. You will see the underground workings, the 300 million year old fossils and hear about the life of the fireclay miners.

Tours last approximately 1 hour.
Open on Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway operating days between April and October.
Mine tickets can be bought with train tickets at Bo'ness Station, or can be purchased at Birkhill Station on arrival.

The workings are at a constant 11°C (52°F) throughout the year, so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
The caverns can only be accessed by foot and there is no suitable access for the disabled at present.

The Scottish Railway Preservation Society is dedicated to the advancement of Scottish railway heritage. It has the largest collection of railway locomotives, carriages, wagons, equipment and artefacts outside the National Railway Museum.

When you visit Bo'ness, make sure you visit the Scottish Railway Exhibition for a unique exploration of 100 years of railways. Cross the railway line by the Highland Railway footbridge and walk past the Goods Shed to the Exhibition which contains the Scottish Railway Preservation Society's historic collection, telling the story of railways in Scotland.

Open on Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway operating days between April and October.

Bo'ness is on the South shore of the River Forth, 8 miles West of the Forth Road Bridge. Fom the East leave the M9 at J3 and follow the A904 to Bo'ness. From the West Leave the M9 at J5 and follow the signs to Bo'ness on the A904. Once you are in Bo'ness follow the Brown tourist signs.

For bus timetables contact Traveline Scotland on 0870 6082 608. Train information can be obtained from National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950. The nearest national stations are Linlithgow and Falkirk Grahamston.

Free car and coach parking is available at Bo'ness Station.

Telephone : 01506 822298
or write to
The Scottish Railway Preservation Society
Bo'ness Station, Union Street, Bo'ness,
West Lothian EH51 9AQ

email: enquiries@railway.srps.org.uk