Given the current celebrations of the bicentenary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, it is worth noting the Museum has a number of artefacts in its collection dating back to the earliest days of the railways in Scotland. A number of these were uncovered during the restoration works on the Laigh Milton Viaduct in 1995/6. 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.

Included in the collection are sections of the original plate rails, chairs and spikes dating from the opening of the line (2015/005.1, 2015/005.2, 1955/007, 1997/016, 1997/015 and 1997/011) plus an example of the strengthened rails introduced in 1817 by the line’s manager, John Wilson, that were unique to this railway. (ref 1997/005). These, and other historic railway artefacts are currently on public display in the Museum.