Volunteering on the Strathspey Railway
Help to preserve our heritage railway for future generations
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Strathspey Railway. Many of the people you see working here are volunteers but we are always looking for more. The extent of your commitment will be up to you. You may choose to come on a particular day (or days) each week, or perhaps you can only manage to come on an adhoc basis when you are available, your help will be invaluable and you will be made very welcome. Learn more about the various roles at the railway below:
GUARDS
Guards are responsible for the safety and well-being of passengers on the train, ensuring timely departure and arrival, assisting passengers as required. The role involves working closely with the driver, inspecting tickets, operating doors, and dealing with any on-board emergencies or passenger issues.
STATION TEAM
These staff can be seen at our stations and onboard - Booking Clerks, Shop Assistants, Office Staff & Porters. The roles involve ticket issuing and checking, greeting passengers, responding to enquiries, telling passengers about our railways history, ensuring the carriages and public areas of the station are clean and presentable.
LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT
Loco volunteers start as trainee firemen, learning about engines and railway practices. They progress to driving steam locomotives under supervision. For diesel traction, they begin as trainee ‘2nd men’, then advance to driver training, ultimately taking charge of diesel-hauled trains on services and excursions.
ENGINEERING TEAM
The Engineering Staff at Aviemore, work in our Engine shed, maintaining the engines and undertaking a large variety of engineering tasks. Jobs are available for those possessing engineering skills. However, previous knowledge is not essential, as work will be found to suit each volunteer.
SIGNALLERS & SIGNAL AND TELEGRAPH
Signallers: Signallers are responsible for the safe and timely operation of trains on the line from our three signal boxes.
Signal & Telegraph: S&T Technicians are responsible for maintaining, replacing and upgrading signalling and telecommunications equipment on our railway.
OUTDOOR WORK
The Permanent Way squad maintains the track, bridges and fences along the Railway. The work can be strenuous, undertaken in all the weather the Highlands can offer! Less strenuous outdoor work is also available in the form of painting station buildings and signal boxes, or maintaining the station gardens.
As a volunteer at the Strathspey Railway, you will be among people who have a great enthusiasm and passion for the Railway. We need YOUR help and enthusiasm. Help will be given with planning your visit, what to wear whilst on duty and where to report to on your first day.
As SRA members, volunteers are able to make use of our subsidised accommodation, at our volunteer hostel in Aviemore - Spey Lodge (subject to availability).
If you would like more information then please email.
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer at the railway then please click the button below
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM