Flying Scotsman

It is 100 years to the day since 60103 Flying Scotsman entered service and a special excursion was arranged in celebration.

We were in Western Harbour, drinking coffee in Greggs in Asda (we know how to live!) when a message from Miss Flum came in that Flying Scotsman would be leaving Waverley Station for Preston - in about 45 minutes' time. A snap decision was made and we swiftly drank up and navigated our way to Kingsknowe Station to join a few other train spotters with cameras poised.

And, before long, there it was, gleaming green in the sunshine, though it came as a surprise that, instead of a long train of carriages with a diesel at the rear, the engine pulled a single carriage - nevertheless we waved our greeting as it sped past, with a whistle and plumes of smoke.

The number 60103 is the current designation but this vintage engine is always known as 4472.