This is a railway talk with a difference! This is not about engines, carriages, turntables or even signals - no, this is about railway management - and what better time to hold this talk than in the year - 2025. The year in which Rail200 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Our speaker, Jim Summers, will speak on both the history and the future of the railways - based on his experiences of a life spent in railway management. In fact, Jim is a former Operations Manager for Scotland - a position which means the holder is responsible for anything and everything which happens on the network. Now that is experience!

Jim will argue that railways were originally developed for moving heavy loads, such as coal and other minerals, and it was only after Scotland's cities and towns were linked up that the railways became the first choice for passenger travel. The onslaught of motor transport in the 20th century saw a sharp decline in freight and passenger numbers but Jim is positive that recent developments show that rail is faster and safer than the roads and has a less damaging effect on the environment. Jim will advocate that rail can still contribute to the economic and social development of Scotland and cites the recent restoration of the Levenmouth Link as an example.

This is sure to be a fascinating, interesting and informative talk by a man who was at the heart of Scotland's railways. The tea, coffee and themed home baking will all be available and of course the raffle, with its prizes which touch each end of the sublime to ridiculous spectrum, will bring down the curtain.

We hope that the above will whet your appetite to come along on the 3rd.