Scotland - youngest train driver, aged 24

[John Ashworth]

West Highland delight as Diane sets train record

Former booking office employee, 24, becomes First ScotRail’s youngest qualified driver

The Press and Journal
Published: 20/01/2009


A LOCHABER woman has gone into the record books by becoming the first female train driver on the west Highland line.

At 24, Diane MacDonald is also the youngest qualified driver working for First ScotRail.

Ms MacDonald, who lives at Arisaig, plies one of the country’s most scenic routes, between Oban, Fort William and Mallaig.

She has been employed by ScotRail for five years, beginning as a temporary staff member in the booking office at Fort William Station.

Ms MacDonald went on to join the permanent staff, taking up a conductor role based at Mallaig before applying to be a train driver a year ago.

She said: “I’m excited and proud to have qualified as a train driver. Training was intense but definitely worth it.

“The west Highland line is one of the best routes to work because of the amazing scenery, although my eyes will be fixed firmly on the track ahead.”

Stretching 164 miles from Glasgow to Mallaig, and 101 miles from Glasgow to Oban, the line has long been regarded as one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys.

It includes Corrour, Britain’s second highest mainline railway summit, which was featured in the film, Trainspotting, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, used by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

Jacqui Dey, of First ScotRail said: “Diane’s success is not only testament to her ambition, hard work and ability but also supports First ScotRail’s drive to develop staff to their full potential.

“I am delighted with Diane’s achievement and hope that her success will encourage more people to look at the career opportunities.”