Flying Scotsman pays unique tribute to a train buff like no other

Train travel past and present came together in York to pay a unique tribute to a railway champion.

Sir William McAlpine, Flying Scotsman’s former owner, died last year.

And that legendary loco joined DB Cargo / LNER Class 90 locomotive number 90028 after it was officially named Sir William McAlpine on the museum’s Great Hall turntable.

Flying Scotsman began the day by leading a special memorial trip from London King’s Cross to York named ‘Scotsman Salute’.

Railway heritage

The Class 90 locomotive later hauled the return leg of this trip back to London King’s Cross later that afternoon.

Hundreds of people attended to see Flying Scotsman and to honour Sir William McAlpine’s lasting contribution to preserving the UK’s railway heritage.

Director of the National Railway Museum Judith McNicol joined Lady Judy McAlpine at the special event.