Isle of Man Steam Railway celebrates 150th anniversary

Guests were transported from Douglas Railway Station to Port Erin

The 150th anniversary of the Isle of Man Steam Railway has been marked.

A plaque was unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer to commemorate the longest narrow-gauge steam line in the British Isles.

Other anniversary highlights included a line-up of decorated trains and a Victorian-themed fayre.

Chief engineer Andrew Cowie said it was a "proud day" for the island since the railway had survived "in spite of changing times and technologies".

A commemorative plaque was unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer

Passenger services began on 1 July 1873, running between Douglas and Peel, when the engine reached a top speed of 25mph (40km/h).

The Douglas to Port Erin line, which opened the following year, is still used today with some of the railways' original locomotives and carriages.

The first line opened from Douglas to Peel on 1 July 1873

Events to celebrate the anniversary included the unveiling of the commemorative plaque at Douglas Railway Station at 09:30 BST.

Speaking at the event, Sir John Lorimer said the Isle of Man was "absolutely privileged for it still to be going 150 years later, and providing a special service and a unique mode of transport to the island in the 21st Century".

"Just think of those locomotives, some of them still working, that have travelled up and down the line over the years," he said.

"They've carried literally millions of people to their daily work, to school, freight and stock and post and packages, all around the island.

"It's part of the island's DNA and people regard it as being so important, and I think that's wonderful."

The locomotive engines were lined up at Douglas Railway Station for the occasion

A number of specially decorated heritage trains assembled afterwards in a line-up.

Celebrations continued at Port Erin Station where there was a family fayre with traditional Manx music, dancers and vintage displays.

At the Port Erin Museum, residents can learn about the F.36 Royal Saloon, which has been used to transport members of the Royal family on official visits to the island.

Meanwhile, the No.1 Sutherland locomotive that hauled the first service train on 1 July 1873 was on display in the Port St Mary station sidings throughout the day.

Andrew Cowie said it was a proud day for those involved in running the railway

Mr Cowie said the team were "immensely proud and honoured to be the current custodians of this amazing railway that is so intertwined with the rich heritage of the island".

The milestone was "a great testament to the efforts of all those who have been involved in keeping the railways operating so successfully over the last 150 years", he added.

A week-long festival from 23 July will also see celebrations to mark the 130th anniversary season of the Manx Electric Railway.

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