Railway work to be carried out 3,600ft up Glencoe mountain

Engineers to upgrade Britain’s highest railway signalling equipment 3,600ft up a mountain in Glencoe.

This weekend, engineers will have the grand task of upgrading Britain’s highest railway signalling equipment on a site near the summit of Meall a’ Bhuiridh above the Glencoe Mountain ski area.

They have had to battle snowdrifts and temperatures of -15C during the work to keep trains running on the world’s most scenic line. Network Rail and specialist contractors Telent Techology Services have had to use a snow tractor, mountain guide and skiers’ chairlift to help reach the site.

Ageing radio equipment which controls the West Highland line between Glasgow, Fort William and Mallaig needs replacing after their frequencies were relocated.

The site is one of 23 hilltop locations for signalling masts along both that route and two lines north of Inverness.

Stephen Pears, Telent’s Rail Managing Director said: “We have engaged the assistance of a local Glencoe Mountain guide to allow us to safely access the summit of White Corries under expert supervision.

“Teams also carry personal protector beacons to alert the mountain rescue in case of emergency when working at remote hilltop locations.”

Unlike the rest of the Scottish network, where signalling is sent via lineside colour light signals, these rail lines are based on radio links between signallers and train drivers. Known as a Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB), it involves giving drivers a virtual “token” which let them proceed safely along sections of the single-track routes.

Since the installation of the system 30 years ago, the radio frequencies it uses are now needed for digital radio and television.

Friends of The West Highland Lines Chairman Doug Carmichael said: “RETB signalling, which commenced in the 1980s, has always brought a new dimension to operating Scotland’s rural railways, especially through the glens and on the West Highland lines.

“Once, trackmen battled through snowdrifts to free signals and their wires to remote signal boxes. Now, engineers climb mountains to obtain the best possible transmissions for train safety – still battling snow!”

The last of the equipment will be moved from the old base station to the new one this weekend.

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