Flying Scotsman to Steam Into Nottinghamshire for Great Central Railway Relaunch

The legendary Flying Scotsman is set to visit the East Midlands next year as part of the relaunch of a historic heritage railway. The iconic steam locomotive will operate in service on the Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN) line through Nottinghamshire on 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 May 2026.

Visitors will also have the chance to ride in a restored Inspection Saloon once used by senior engineers and railway officials. In addition, the Flying Scotsman will feature at GCRN’s Model Railway event on 16 and 17 May, providing enthusiasts with a closer look at the famed locomotive.

First entering service in 1923, the Flying Scotsman set several milestones, including hauling the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928 and becoming the UK’s first locomotive to officially reach 100mph in 1934. Its appearance at GCRN offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Britain’s railway heritage in action.

The Great Central Railway itself has a rich history, opening passenger services between Nottingham and Leicester in 1899 along the Victorian Sheffield to London line. Passenger operations ceased in stages, with the final service running in 1969. Volunteers preserved two sections of the double-track line: one at Ruddington, south of Nottingham, and an eight-mile stretch between Loughborough and Birstall in Leicestershire.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reconnect these preserved sections. In summer 2025, Charnwood Borough Council approved a planning application to reinstate roughly 500 metres of track, further uniting the historic route.

Oliver Edwards, director and general manager of Fox & Edwards Events, said:

"Flying Scotsman is an incredible machine from the golden age of steam and it will delight visitors during its time with us."

GCRN chairman Andy Fillingham added:

"We're very proud of the work of our volunteers in reopening the railway to visitors and this should bring awareness of our superb attraction to new people."

Image: Fox & Edwards Events