Scale Rail in Scotland originated from a group who held the event in Rutherglen B.R. premises moving on to Blairgowrie Old Mill. Having held two exhibitions there around the late 1980's early 1990's. It was then abandoned. In 1995 members of Clyde M.R.C. and the Friends of Scale Rail wanted to organise a national event for Scottish modelling enthusiasts focussing on high quality, innovative layouts in many gauges. Scale Rail Scotland was born. We wanted to have a show which any and every enthusiast in Scotland (and Northern England for that matter) could get to and see many items of interest. The first show was a great success and it was decided to make Scale Rail Scotland an annual event at New Lanark to be held over the whitsun holiday.
We chose to use the visitor centre at New Lanark as it provides an interesting location with sufficient space and superb facilities. Alternatively for those of you struggling to get parole from family members, not fascinated by our hobby, a chance to visit the show and view the excellent textile museum that is New Lanark - part of Scotland's industrial heritage. Full details of activities happening at New Lanark can be viewed on their website.
The brief for the show organiser is to find a wide range of layouts featuring as many gauges / scales as possible, AND as many geographical regions AND modelling periods. If that is not enough there is an overriding concern to ensure that that the show is a spectacular presentation with something for every one. This year is no exception.
Scale Rail Scotland may be a relatively unknown show, especially when compared with some of the more established large scale shows south, but we are conscious of the need for quality and as the song says 'things can only get better'.
The friends of Scale Rail Scotland award an annual prize, the Hugh Mervyn James Trophy for the best layout from 1997 onwards. 'see cupwinners page'