Good news – Flying Scotsman has been passed fit to go back on the tracks.
And that means the legendary loco will return to the National Railway Museum in York for half term as planned.
As we reported, Flying Scotsman was involved in a low-speed crash in Scotland a week ago, backing into carriages.
Two people were treated in hospital “as a precaution” and an investigation was launched after the incident.
Today (Friday), the National Railway Museum, which owns the Flying Scotsman, issued a statement.
“Following a full mechanical inspection of Flying Scotsman which took place at Strathspey Railway this week, the locomotive has been passed fit for main line operation,” it said.
“The investigation was carried out by an independent expert on behalf of Strathspey Railway, and the NRM’s collections and rail operations teams.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed it does not require the locomotive as part of its ongoing enquiries.”
That allows the engine to continue its Scottish excursions this month, all planned as part of its 100th anniversary tour.
“The safety of passengers and the public remains the highest priority and the independent investigation into the circumstances of the shunting incident involving Flying Scotsman on Friday 29 September will continue.
“Future rail tours and centenary appearances including The Railway Touring Company excursions ‘The Hadrian’ on Saturday 14 October and the visit to the National Railway Museum over October half term will also go ahead.”
It means visitors to the NRM will be able to see Flying Scotsman between 21 October and 5 November, on the museum’s turntable for the first time since 2016.