Stonehaven Town Partnership is delighted to be able to announce that The Stoney Express is returning to Stonehaven!
After five years away — a time that included the challenges of the pandemic, the loss of our storage space, and a temporary relocation to Brechin — our much-loved “wee train”, The Stoney Express is finally coming home.
Thanks to generous funding from the Coastal Communities Challenge Fund, we’ve been able to bring The Stoney Express back from Brechin, complete essential repairs, restore the bodywork, order new protective covers, install a new radio PA system, and even provide new uniforms and training for our drivers. Also, we have sparkly new logo which reflects the simplicity and fun of The Stoney Express!
Many of you will remember The Stoney Express first launching in 2014, with a second carriage added in 2016. Since that time, it became a familiar and much-enjoyed part of life in Stonehaven — playing a role in weddings, birthday celebrations, and family days out. When the pandemic forced us to stop operations, a local business kindly helped relocate The Stoney Express to Brechin, where the fantastic team at Brechin Caledonian Railway welcomed her, kept her running, and even featured her in their Polar Express events for two years.
Then the opportunity arose to bring her home to Stoney and thanks to KMS, resolute volunteers, and local businesses, The Stoney Express is now ready to return to service at her home, Stonehaven.
To celebrate this homecoming, we’re hosting a Launch Day event on Monday, May 5th from 10:00 AM in Market Square. Everyone who played a part in making this return possible — individuals, businesses, and community groups — have been invited to join us, hop aboard, and enjoy a special inaugural ride as a thank-you for their support.
The day will also feature a performance from the immense Dunnottar Pipes and Drums, who will pipe The Stoney Express on its first journey and provide music throughout the festivities.
This will be the first time in years that we see The Stoney Express back in action — and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. So come along on the day, soak up the atmosphere, show your support, and help us give the train the welcome home it deserves.
Timetables, ticket prices, and further details will be shared shortly. But for now, we’re simply thrilled to say…
The Stoney Express is back!
With heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this happen — especially our sponsors as without their incredible support none of this would have been possible:
The Market Bar
Economove
Bucket & Spade
Fountainhall Wines
KMS
Stonehaven Golf Club
The Ship Inn
The Station Hotel
Deeside Timber Frame
Accelerate
And The Bellman for helping us spread the word!
