Strathpeffer had numerous chalybeate mineral water springs, as well as the strongest sulphur springs in the country; these were considered to be an important health aid, and the spa facilities developed in connection with taking the waters attracted considerable numbers of visitors.
The inconvenient location of the station was a considerable disadvantage, and the Highland Railway were approached to build a line to the town itself.

They agreed to do this, and obtained Parliamentary authority in a New Lines Act of 28 July 1884,; they constructed a branch line from Fodderty, where a junction was made with the Skye line, continuing west to the margin of Strathpeffer along the route originally intended for that part of the Dingwall and Skye line.
The branch opened on 3 June 1885; it was a single line.
The earlier Strathpeffer station remained open, but was renamed Achterneed.
A 2-2-2 locomotive dating from 1865 was allocated to work the branch; it was given a second-hand boiler to replace its own.
It was formerly named Breadalbane it was renamed Strathpeffer.
For the remainder of the nineteenth century the passenger rolling stock was ancient Highland Railway four-wheelers.

The new Stathpeffer station was elaborately designed.
Higginson describes it:
A gabled canopy, supported on cast iron columns, extended its full length while inside extensive offices and waiting rooms were to be found.
A bow fronted gable, embellished with intricate bargeboards, served to relieve the otherwise plain frontage which faced onto a wide and sweeping approach.

A standard goods shed was provided, and there was a stone house for the station master.
A new bay platform for the Strathpeffer trains was provided at Dingwall.
Strathpeffer had numerous chalybeate mineral water springs, as well as the strongest sulphur springs in the country; these were considered to be an important health aid, and the spa facilities developed in connection with taking the waters attracted considerable numbers of visitors. The inconvenient location of the station was a considerable disadvantage, and the Highland Railway were approached to build a line to the town itself.
They agreed to do this, and obtained Parliamentary authority in a New Lines Act of 28 July 1884,; they constructed a branch line from Fodderty, where a junction was made with the Skye line, continuing west to the margin of Strathpeffer along the route originally intended for that part of the Dingwall and Skye line. The branch opened on 3 June 1885; it was a single line. The earlier Strathpeffer station remained open, but was renamed Achterneed. A 2-2-2 locomotive dating from 1865 was allocated to work the branch; it was given a second-hand boiler to replace its own. It was formerly named Breadalbane it was renamed Strathpeffer. For the remainder of the nineteenth century the passenger rolling stock was ancient Highland Railway four-wheelers.
The new Stathpeffer station was elaborately designed. Higginson describes it:
A gabled canopy, supported on cast iron columns, extended its full length while inside extensive offices and waiting rooms were to be found. A bow fronted gable, embellished with intricate bargeboards, served to relieve the otherwise plain frontage which faced onto a wide and sweeping approach.
A standard goods shed was provided, and there was a stone house for the station master. A new bay platform for the Strathpeffer trains was provided at Dingwall.
Strathpeffer railway station