Loch Maree and Aultbea Railway
The Loch Maree and Aultbea Railway was one of several branch railway-lines proposed for the North-West Highlands of Scotland in the early 1890s. Although a full survey was conducted in 1892 and a Private Bill was submitted to the Westminster Parliament on 18 November 1892, the necessary Act to permit construction did not receive approval and the plan was dropped. Historical background In 1890 and 1891, six lines connecting the west of north Scotland to the central spine were to be considered by two Parliamentary Commissions. These were: the extension of the Dingwall and Skye Railway from Stromeferry to Kyle of Lochalsh the extension of the West Highland line from Banavie to Mallaig and new branch-lines from: Garve to Ullapool, leading from the Dingwall and Skye Railway Achnasheen to Aultbea, also leading from the Dingwall and Skye Railway Lairg to Laxford, leading from the Far North Line Culrain to Lochinver, also leading from the Far North Line All six lines were designed to open up transport facilities for fish-catches, passengers and mail on the west coast, and - for the last four named above - specifically for steamer services to Stornoway. The two extensions to Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh