Bon-Accord, former Aberdeen Gas Works Steam Locomotive, is now fully restored! Originally built in 1897, Bon-Accord is back in steam for the first time since 1964. She can now be seen at the Royal Deeside Railway   Milton of Crathes, Aberdeenshire).

First Passenger Steam Dates :
24th July, and 14th, 21st & 22nd August 2010

On Sunday 9th May 2010, Jim Bramwell died while hill-walking with friends.
Jim was a central part of the restoration team working on Bon-Accord over the past decade. His leadership, great engineering skill, and friendship will be greatly missed.

In words of another member of restoration team:
“I don’t think there is a single area of Bon Accord that Jim has not had a hand in. His energy, range of skills and capability never ceased to amaze me”.

Sadly, Jim died just a few days before Bon-Accord’s inaugural steaming at the Royal Deeside Railway. After discussion it was decided to go ahead with the test run – the first time Bon-Accord had travelled under her own steam power since 1964. The day became a tribute to Jim and his tremendous part in the restoration of Bon-Accord. Throughout the day, the word was "If only Jim could see this ".

1897     Built by Andrew Barclay & Sons, Klimarnock
1897     Arrived in Aberdeen, to pull coal trucks from the harbour to the Aberdeen Gas Works in Cotton Street.
1914     Extensive repairs allowed Bon-Accord to continue at the gas works
1964     Bon-Accord decommissioned and replaced by a diesel loco.
1972     Bon-Accord saved for preservation, initially at Ferryhill and later moved and stored at Brechin.
1975     The Gas works were closed and demolished. (The Beach Retail Park now occupies the site.)
1999     Bon-Accord, now owned by Grampian Transport Museum, returns to Aberdeen for full restoration.
              Bon-Accord Locomotive Society is formed by volunteers who use their skills to restore the engine.
2005     Much restoration progress made, but the boiler fails its steam test, requiring further lengthy restoration work.
              Restoration continues to be funded by personal donations, sponsorship, & National Lottery Heritage Fund
2008     Restoration is complete and boiler steam test passed. Painted in original 1897 livery.
2010     Bon-Accord moves to her new home on the Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes .

Read more about the Gasworks, Bon-Accord and the other harbour locomotives by clicking on the History tab at the top of the website, and view photos in the Gallery.

More details about Bon-Accord’s restoration are archived in the News section.