AMBITIOUS plans have been launched to recreate a working replica of Scotland’s oldest railway.
The 1722 Waggonway Project was established in 2017 to preserve, promote and enhance the 1722 Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway.
The group is a voluntary unincorporated association that has been working to excavate the remains of the waggonway and associated salt pans, and revive salt-making in Cockenzie.
It has also opened a heritage centre which celebrates these industries.
Now, the group wants to use the knowledge gained from its archaeological digs to build a working wooden waggonway, exactly as it was constructed in the 18th century.
The group is inviting residents, school pupils, students and military veterans to help build the waggonway.
It is hoped that they will create a unique attraction for East Lothian, providing skill-based, educational opportunities during and after its construction.
The 1722 Waggonway Project has set out plans to create a working 18th century waggonway in the county
The structure will be built using traditional techniques and materials, similar to those of the original waggonway wherever possible, and it is hoped that the work will be completed by 2029.
The group said that local volunteers would be fundamental to the project, ensuring that the local community felt a connection with and was invested in the future of the project.
Plans are also in place to create a replica horse gin and 18th-century pit headgear at one end of the line, a coal fauld with unloading tippers at the opposite end, and a full-scale, 18th-century working salt pan house to complete the living history package.
The 1722 Waggonway Project plans to create a horse gin and beamish as part of the project
Ed Bethune, chair of the project, said: “We’re at the start of what will be an exciting journey.
“The prospect of creating a top-quality piece of living history which will have so many benefits to the community and beyond is a really big motivator for us.
“This is a long-term project which will have a longer-lasting legacy.
“Our crowdfunding and other fundraising activities have, since the beginning of February, raised over £1,500, and we’re delighted to be up and running.
“Huge thanks to everyone who has donated, joined the project as a member, or supported us by coming to our events.
“Every penny counts, and we’ll be continuing our fundraising efforts going forward.
“We’d also encourage local businesses to get involved.
A drawing shows what a working waggonway looks like
“If you’d like to support the project with sponsorship, please get in touch!
“It’s a great opportunity to be part of what will be a historic project. Climb on board and come along for the ride!”
The location of the project is yet to be decided, but the group is currently exploring a number of options within the EH32 area.
The first phase of the project will cost between £95,000 and £115,000, and the group is aiming to achieve this in a five-year timeframe.
It is expected that the gin and coal fauld and tipper will cost between £100,000 and £120,000 to complete, and the salt pan house could cost between £500,000 and £800,000.
It is expected that building the waggonway and initial fleet of three waggons will cost about £70,000.
The 1722 Waggonway Project plans to create a working 18th cetury waggonway in East Lothian. Image: Frame Focus Capture Photography
A crowdfunding portal is now live and accepting donations at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/waggonway
Funds will also be raised via sponsorship, subscriptions and grant funding, with a ‘totaliser’ being displayed on the Waggonway Project website at 1722waggonway.co.uk
It is hoped that the horse gin and coal fauld and tipper could be completed by 2032 and the salt pan house could be finished by 2035.
Paul McLennan, East Lothian MSP, said: “Community unity is an embedded value within the project and will be demonstrated by the provision of volunteering opportunities and the offer of practical, skills-based learning.
“Such an attraction will bring new tourists to the area and will support culture and heritage for the county. I give my full support and look forward to seeing the project develop.”
The 1722 Waggonway Project plans to create a working 18th cetury waggonway in East Lothian
Dr Michael R. Bailey, president of the Stephenson Locomotive Society, added: “Cockenzie, Port Seton and Prestonpans have an incredible industrial history, and this could be enhanced by adding a working piece of historic infrastructure to benefit the area.
“There are currently no working wooden waggonways in the UK and this will be a significant living history heritage asset for East Lothian and Scotland.”
Scotland’s first railway was built to move coal from the Tranent mines to the Cockenzie salt works.
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