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This is the ninth volume in the ten-part series of regional books examining the industrial railways of England, Scotland and Wales. Like elsewhere in Britain, changes have been far-reaching in industry, and Scotland has certainly suffered considerably in recent decades with the loss of its traditional coal mining, steel and manufacturing industries, especially many of those that were once located around its Central Belt. The diversity of the locomotives and the railways that once served industry in Scotland is a fascinating and neglected subject, and both standard and narrow gauge systems, most of which no longer survive today, are covered within the pages of this book. The author presents an array of striking images, both in colour and black and white, that strive to include some feel for the locations being studied, covering the broad spectrum of industrial railways that once existed in Scotland. These mostly previously unpublished photographs, accompanied by detailed captions, reflect the changing face of Scottish industry over the last six decades or so. As the title suggests, this book is chiefly about Scotland's industrial railways and its locomotives, many actually constructed in Scotland, but this work is also a sad reminder of how much our traditional industries have contracted, or have even been lost entirely over this period, either through globalisation of manufacturing, or the importation of commodities at a cheaper market rate than could have been obtained at home.
About the author
Gordon Edgar has been photographing railways since 1968 and has specialized in the end of main line and industrial steam in the UK. Having served for two decades in the Army Intelligence Corps, since retirement he has devoted his time to his archive of railway photographs. Gordon has contributed to two books on steam railways in China and his photographs have also appeared in several periodicals. An accomplished photographer, Gordon Edgar has written several railway books.
Summary
Explores the industrial and minor railways of Scotland. Following on from 'Industrial Locomotives & Railways of North East England', Gordon Edgar uses his excellent collection of photographs to explore these fascinating railways and their locomotives.
