Tell the town…….. Listen Up!
If you stand at the side of Market Square — or more specifically in that yellow‑lined, buses‑only parking space opposite The Meydan (strictly no black Jags, thank you very much) — tilt your head just so, and listen carefully, and you may just hear it: a faint, familiar toot‑toot drifting in on the sea breeze. Yes, dear reader, that unmistakable sound can mean only one thing… the Stoney Express is on its way back.
And with that joyful return, Stonehaven will once again welcome one of its most beloved sights — and sounds. The town’s iconic land train is officially rolling back into action for the season, bringing with it the colour, charm, and cheerful racket that signals the true beginning of spring.
For many places, the arrival of warmer weather is marked by blossoms or birdsong. But not in Stoney. Here, the first sign of the season is the beautiful blue‑and‑white, swan‑like engine of the Stoney Express trundling proudly along, pulling its magnificent carriages and preparing for its public. And when that whistle echoes across the town, there’s only one message it’s sending: “Hey Stoney — I’m back!”
A Local Legend with Global Fans
Since its return and relaunch last year, the Stoney Express has become far more than just a tourist attraction for the town. It has grown into a symbol of Stonehaven’s spirit — friendly, vibrant, and always ready to make someone’s day. Children race to wave at it, adults pretend they’re not waving but inevitably do, and visitors treat it like a celebrity sighting.
In that short time, it has also gathered a whole collection of affectionate exaggerations. Locals like to joke that it “attracts more visitors than there are potholes in Evan Street.” Some even claim it’s “bigger than the council deficit” — a line no accountant has ever endorsed, but plenty of folk have laughed at. No one’s pretending any of this is scientific, but the enthusiasm and affection behind it are very real — and very Stoney.
And the devotion extends far beyond the Mearns.
“We come from Hamburg every spring, and my children insist the first thing we do is ride the Stoney Express. They say it’s better than Disneyland — and honestly, I agree,” said Klara, a returning visitor.
“I travel from Toronto to see my sister in Aberdeen, but I always make a detour to Stonehaven. The land train is part of the tradition now,” added Michael, who proudly keeps a photo of himself on the train from every year since 2025 — all displayed on the bedside table beside his wife, who insists she’s ‘fine with it’.
Disclaimer: The quotations above are provided for illustrative and entertainment purposes. While public enthusiasm for the Stoney Express is unquestionably genuine, no formal consultation was undertaken with representatives from Hamburg, Toronto, or the seagull community during the preparation of this material.
Meet the Leadership Team Behind the Magic
Every great operation has its guiding lights, and the Stoney Express is no exception.
At the helm is Julie Lindeman — Chief Executive of All Things That Go Toot. Her stewardship ensures the train runs smoothly, joyfully, and with just the right amount of Stonehaven flair.
Supporting her is Dod Reid — Senior Commissioner for Toot‑Based Transport Excellence, and the Stoney Express’s resident storyteller. His four‑fingered wave is already a local landmark, and his gift for narrating the Wee Train’s historical tales and modern‑day escapades has become part of the experience. Dod also leads the Stoney Crew with the steady hand of a seasoned captain, ensuring every driver and conductor upholds the highest standards of waving, tooting, and general merriment along with all nonsense and fun. Under his watch, the Stoney Crew operates like a finely tuned happiness machine — or as finely tuned as anything can be when it toots every 30 seconds.
The Stoney Crew: Accredited Practitioners of Passenger Happiness
Behind the scenes — and always in full view, waving enthusiastically — stands the Stoney Crew: the drivers, conductors, and all‑weather heroes who keep the carriages rolling. Officially, they’re the operational backbone of the Stoney Express. Unofficially, they’re known as Accredited Practitioners of Passenger Happiness, thanks to their mastery of the friendly wave, the smooth stop, and the perfectly timed toot.
They deliver joy in all conditions — sunshine, drizzle, sideways rain — and some locals swear they’ve seen a driver wave, toot, and handle a crosswind all at once. No official body has confirmed this, but the town fully believes it.
Back on the Route, Back in Our Hearts
The Stoney Express will once again be running its familiar route — from Market Square to the Open Air Pool and Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park, back through the town, up towards Dunnottar Castle and stopping there, then down the hill back to Stonehaven Harbour and then back to The Market Square. It’s a loop packed with scenic views, local history and family‑friendly fun, and the kind of wholesome entertainment that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a returning visitor, or someone discovering Stonehaven for the first time, the Stoney Express is ready to welcome you aboard.
The Wee Train is back — and all feels right in Stoney once more.
Just So You Know…
The Stoney Express team is putting the finishing touches on all the practical details for the new season — but here’s what we can share already:
- Running Dates:
28th & 29th March
4th, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th April - Times:
Departures from Market Square at 10, 11, 12, and 2, 3 & 4 o’clock - Prices:
Children under three ride free (I’m a poet and didn’t even know it…)
Everyone else: £6 per person
Full timetables, ticket info, and any extra updates will be published on the Stoney Express Facebook page and in The Bellman as soon as everything is finalised — so keep an eye out, and keep those ears tuned for that next cheerful toot.