A film by Peter Longman chronicling the conservation work undertaken from its start in July 1995 up to the opening ceremony on 29 October 1996.

This viaduct on the Kilmarnock & Troon Railway, believed to be the world’s oldest on a public railway, was the work of leading civil engineer William Jessop. The double-track, horse-operated railway was opened in 1812, mainly for the export of coal, although it soon carried passengers. In 1816 it was the first railway in Scotland to operate with a Stephenson steam locomotive; nine years before the Stockton & Darlington.

Numerous significant railway relics found during the restoration were donated to ICE Scotland Museum at Heriot-Watt University where they are now on display.

Filmed by Peter Lorimer.

The film – originally over 132 minutes long – has been serialised in four parts for ease of viewing:

• • Part 1: 7 July 1995 to 21 August 1995 (39 mins)
  • Part 2: 21 August 1995 to 21 March 1996 (34 mins)
  • Part 3: 21 March 1996 to 29 October 1996 (including the Opening Ceremony) (35 mins)
  • Part 4: 29 October 1996: speeches in a nearby hotel (26 mins)

Part 1: 7 July 1995 to 21 August 1995 (39 mins)

Part 2: 21 August 1995 to 21 March 1996 (34 mins)

Part 3: 21 March 1996 to 29 October 1996 (including the Opening Ceremony) (35 mins)

Part 4: 29 October 1996: speeches in a nearby hotel (26 mins)