Big Drew's Challenge

It all started when Drew Macleod and Dougie Slater were chewing the fat over a few swallies in O’Brien’s on Saucihall Street...

“Go on” said Drew, “If you and yer lads are as good as ye say, and can do the Edinburgh to King’s Cross run withoot spilling a drop of mulligatawny on the way, I’ll buy youse all a crate of Isla single malt fer free!”

So, Dougie and his team (they were known by all as The Flying Scotsmen) went to it. There was Mo (far left) who knew the most amazing recipes known for glorious tasting soups; Wee Jock (second left) was the “calm one”. Fly Ralph (third left) wi’ his  special ’tache was always good for keeping the ladies smiling; Dougie (centre right) knew he had the best dining car team ever. Oor Tam (right), was new to the team – a bit fly, but starting to settle nicely. "Yer'll get in the thumbnail next time laddie, no fear," said Dougie.

So off they went, on the "Flying Scot" midday express on the 23rd of August, 1978, took up Big Drew's challenge and came through triumphantly. Heroes.

On the fortieth anniversary of the great day, we went to the National Railway Museum for a champagne celebration. They hadn’t aged at all.

Great occasion. And there were lots of trains too: Contact Sheet.