The Panel for Historical Engineering Works: summer visit to Ayrshire

Overview

The Panel for Historical Engineering Works (PHEW) have organised a day of sightseeing in Ayrshire, visiting some of the region's most iconic historical transport structures. 

Meeting in Glasgow at 09:45, a coach will pick up attendees and begin the journey to Kilmarnock Train Station, visiting the Kilmarnock Railway Viaduct, built in 1850 and still in use to this day. The viaduct was designed by railway civil engineers John Miller and Thomas Grainger.

The stop in Kilmarnock will also act as a secondary pick-up point for anyone choosing to join the trip there. 

From Kilmarnock, the coach will head up to Ballochmyle Viaduct, built in 1848, near Mauchline. At 52m high, it marks the tallest viaduct in the UK and is still in use. It is another John Miller design. 

At the next stop, Laigh Milton Viaduct, a moment will be taken to commemorate the fact that it is 30 years since the viaduct was restored by the Laigh Milton Viaduct Conservation Project led by Professor Roland Paxton, past Chairman PHEW. Originally built in 1815, William Jessop's creation is the earliest known surviving railway viaduct. 

The day will conclude with a visit to Ayr's Auld Brig and Brig O'Doon in Alloway, marvels of historical engineering and still in use to this day. 

Alongside the hire of the coach, the ticket price will also include lunch in Troon.

Potential attendees should note that access to both Laigh Milton viaduct and Ballochmyle viaduct are along rough or steep paths and that to Laigh Milton involves climbing over two or three styles.  

Don't miss the chance to learn more about Scotland's early engineering giants!

Programme