The steam railway has been part of Britain’s heritage for 200 years. In that time it has evolved from the cutting edge of technology, through the driving force of industrial expansion, to the accepted form of transport and, more recently, a much-loved, living, part of our industrial legacy.

In this programme, using film shot over the last quarter of a century, we reflect upon the development of steam and celebrate our great railway heritage.

The mountains of the Highlands and the shores of the Lowlands provide some of the most glorious railway images north of the Border.

The classic Caledonian Railway’s blue livery can still be seen on the SRPS line at Bo’ness whilst Highland grandeur lives on along the valley of the River Spey on the Strathspey Railway.

Numerous iconic steam trains travelled the Scottish main lines and in this programme we see them heading towards Kyle of Lochalsh, across Rannoch Moor, over the Highland mountains at places such as Slocht Summit, eastward near Aberdeen and, of course, over the legendary Forth Bridge.