HOPES that one of Scotland's most famous railways could be transferred to Helensburgh have been dashed.

Despite extensive research and very positive signs earlier this year, it was announced last week that the Isle of Mull Railway is likely to relocate the Balloch.

The world famous narrow gauge line has operated between Craignure and Torosay Castle since 1984 and has attracted around 30,000 visitors a year to its one-and-a-quarter mile line.

However, when Torosay Castle was put on the market its future became doubtful and the little railway was forced to close. Work then began to find a new site for the railway which once starred in an episode of the children's television programme, Balamory.

A group of Helensburgh residents heard about the search and thought that the Burgh would be a fine new setting, with the track running from a new station "Helensburgh West" at William Street to Kidston Park.

In April, Councillor Vivien Dance, her engineer husband Tony, tourism campaigners Anne and John Urquhart and architect Lawrence Hill met with two directors of the railway company and opened talks.

However, it now seems the railway will relocate to Balloch.

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