Rare steam engines to visit Arran during 323 mile fundraiser
Three rare early 20th-century steam engines will visit Arran this month as part of a RNLI fundraiser that will see the mechanical marvels travel 323 miles from Oban to the Peak District.
Beginning on Thursday May 14 in Kilmelford, Argyll and Bute, the steam engines will make their way south along the west coast while stopping at villages and towns along the way.
Vernon, Queen Mary, and Nelson are expected to arrive at Lochranza on Wednesday May 20 and will make a stop at Ardrossan the following day.
The newest of the three models, Vernon, was built in 1932 and is the last Ransomes traction engine ever built. Owner Chris Hutton said Vernon will be dubbed “McVernon” when it travels through Scotland.
He added: “We are really excited for the trip, because we have never brought the engines to Scotland before.
“I am sure it is not often people get to experience this type of engine every day, so it will be something a bit different.”
The current stops planned - although this will be subject to change - are: Thursday May 14, Kilmelford; Friday May 15 and 16, Oban, Sunday May 17, Kilmelford; Monday May 18, Bridgend; Tuesday May 19, Stonefield Castle; Wednesday May 20, Arran; Thursday May 21 Ardrossan; Friday May 22, Dalmellington; Saturday May 23, Crocketford; Sunday May 24, Annan.
Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, based in Ipswich, England, was a premier manufacturer of agricultural machinery, producing steam traction engines from the late 19th to early 20th century.
The engines were well-regarded for their high-quality and efficient designs. Exported globally, the engines were used for threshing, hauling, and driving stationary machinery.
Currently, there are around 140 of the company’s various steam engines still in existence and many are being preserved.
Enthusiasts and supporters can track the fundraising journey on the group’s Wheres Vern website at www.wheresvern.co.uk/ where updates and a “live” map will be updated.
Anyone wishing to support the fundraising initiative can do so at fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/Wheresvern/where--s-vernon
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