Fraserburgh (Kirkton) to Rathen

Heather, properly ling, (Calluna vulgaris) on the line close to Philorth Halt

Even on a dull afternoon with intermittent attempts at rain there is much of interest even on the dullest section of the Line. There were swallows flying low over the fields, trawling for insects and gathering on the track side telegraph wires. Are they preparing to depart?. Near Rathen station there was fragrant honeysuckle to smell, dog rose hips starting to turn crimson and the flame colours of montbretia growing out of the platform.

Rufus enjoyed looking down on the Afghan hound at Knockmonean, catching small moths and starting a stampede of cattle.

Until 1926 Philorth Halt was a private station for the use of Lord Saltoun. Annabell,  the lady who now lives at the station, was brought up on the Philorth Estate and remembers when it was a working station. In addition to the single platform for passengers there was a goods siding and loading bay for cattle and goods going to and from the estate. This was on the Fraserburgh side of the halt and the platform at which the cattle were loaded may still be seen, the masonary is less well finished than on Lord Saltoun's platform and the level of the bay is slightly higher than the platform. The station had a central waiting room which opened on to the platform, accommodation for the agent, Mr Ritchie at the period Annabel recalls, and his family, storage room for workmens' tools and a small room with a fireplace for the use of railway workers. Annabel remembers travelling to school in Fraserburgh by train during the winter and on 'coorse' days in summer. To catch the train you had to go out on the platform and put your arm out, like catching a bus today. It was unusual for Lady Saltoun to catch the train but when she did so the agent's wife would warm the children to behave. The agent was also employed at Fraserburgh Station.

Cairnbulg Castle seat of the Frasers, Lords Saltoun, was extensively restored in the late Victorian era, as seen looking across the field from Philorth Halt.

Grey Granite was shown several rail 'chairs' which were left at the station when the line was removed.

Cast iron chair with remaining section of line. The small piece of hardwood, called a rail key, was used to wedge the rail in place. The rails were set in the chairs to lean at a slight angle so that the flaring proflie of the flanged wheel sat snugly on the head of the rail.

Cross section of a rail chair, the key would have been on the right.

Grey Granite does not yet know if this is a broken chair or a different type. It still retains the chair bolt with which it was fixed to the wooden sleeper.

Rufus was honoured to be given refreshment at the station and told to help himself in future should he be thirsty.