Flying Scotsman Celebrated 160 Years

March 5, 2006

In August 1845, the town of Scarborough (the UK’s oldest and one of its most popular seaside resorts), welcomed its first ever tourists to arrive by train. That historic first steam journey was on the world’s most famous steam icon, ‘Flying Scotsman.’ More than a century and a half later, ‘Flying Scotsman’ lead the celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of the event.

It was 160 years ago that more than 15,000 people turned out for the opening of the York to Scarborough railway line. Residents lined the streets of Scarborough, to be serenaded by singers and entertained by brass bands, welcoming the very first steam train to Scarborough’s newly constructed wooden platform.

The steam trip to Scarborough, by ‘Flying Scotsman’ runs along the 42-mile route to the coast. It has been the backbone of the local tourist economy for 160 years.