BUNGLING rail chiefs caused a lo-commotion by axing a Flying Scotsman visit – only to announce it would go ahead less than 24 hours later.
Network Rail said the legendary train would not be able to visit Scotland this weekend, as it had not had time to check if lines were suitable.
The announcement sparked anger from the thousands of rail enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the engine, given Network Rail had known about the trip for months.
But yesterday – following intense lobbying – Network Rail was forced into a humiliating U-turn, insisting the visit would still go ahead.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said the last-minute decision represented “appalling incompetence by Network Rail GB”.
A probe into the public relations train wreck is now set to go ahead.
Marcus Robertson, of Steam Dreams, the company which operates trips where passenger tickets cost up to £140, is delighted the trip to Fife and the Borders is on.
Mr Mackay said: “This is welcome news and, as a result of concerted local action, I hope that many people will now get to enjoy the experience of the Flying Scotsman returning to Fife, Midlothian and the Borders.
“This, however, does not explain how we ended up in this farcical situation.”
Hundreds of steam enthusiasts are now planning to turn out to watch the newly restored locomotive run.
Jim Paterson, of the Scottish Railway Prevention Society, said: “This is great news. People will now get the chance to see the Flying Scotsman.
“But there seems to be a culture of incompetence at Network Rail. It had months to do work but left it to the last minute.”
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “I wholeheartedly and sincerely apologise for the consternation caused by the premature announcement on Friday.
“Once the tours have been safely and successfully run, I will be instigating a full investigation into how this problem occurred on our railway in Scotland.”
Built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, the Flying Scotsman was the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934.
It headed back on to the tracks following a multi-million-pound refurbishment by The National Railway Museum in York.
Three months ago, Network Rail was forced to pay nearly £60,000 compensation when train services were delayed by trespassers during the engine’s inaugural run.
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