The operator of the Flying Scotsman's Christmas excursion to Newcastle has apologised after a lengthy delay prevented passengers from visiting the city's Christmas Market. The trip, scheduled for Sunday, December 14, was meant to allow passengers up to three hours in Newcastle, but they arrived with no time to explore.
UK Railtours, which ran the service, issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging the 'challenging day.' The journey began on time at Finsbury Park at 8.41am, stopping at Potters Bar, Stevenage, and Peterborough. However, at York, the train was held until 4pm, departing over two hours late. By the time it reached Newcastle Central Station, the service left again at 5.33pm, leaving no time for passengers to enjoy the market.
To make up time on the return leg, the train was hauled by a diesel locomotive instead of the Flying Scotsman, and the planned break in Newcastle was sacrificed. UK Railtours stated: 'Is this good enough? No. It is not. Do UK Railtours acknowledge this? Yes. Absolutely we do.' The company promised to contact all booked passengers by email on Monday to explain what happened and outline next steps.
The Flying Scotsman's visit to the North East had generated significant excitement, coinciding with the first Wear-Tyne derby in nine years. However, the operational issues overshadowed the event, leaving passengers disappointed.
