Whitrope Heritage Centre
Small heritage centre in railway carriages at Whitrope Siding on the old Waverley Route, with relics, photographs and a short heritage railway.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Whitrope Siding was a goods loading bay on the Waverley Route, the railway between Edinburgh and Carlisle that ran from 1849 to 1969. It lies just south of the summit at Whitrope, about 1,000 feet above sea level, in the Scottish Borders. The Waverley Route Heritage Association was formed in 2001 after a chance meeting at nearby Riccarton Junction, with the aim of preserving and, where needed, restoring items from the old line.
The association collects railway relics such as bridge plates, mileposts, tickets, maps, photographs and personal accounts of working life on the line. Part of this collection is shown in the heritage centre, which is housed in two railway carriages at the siding: an exhibition coach and an adjoining buffet carriage from the 1960s. The displays also explain how the railways of the Borders were built.
The volunteers also run the Border Union Railway, which gives short train journeys along about 800 metres of rebuilt track from Whitrope Tunnel over the summit to Bridge 200. Visitors should check the published operating dates before travelling.
Highlights
- Railway relics from the Waverley Route and other Borders lines
- Historic photographs and a display on how the Borders railways were built
- Train journey on the Border Union Railway
- Tea in a 1960s buffet carriage
Permanent exhibition
- Waverley Route relics and railway display – Railway relics, photographs and a display on how the Borders railways were built, shown in two railway carriages.
- Operated by
- Waverley Route Heritage Association
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The centre is just off the B6399 between Hawick and Newcastleton. From Hawick take the B6399 and, after about 11 miles, pull in at the large blue Whitrope Heritage Centre sign. From the south and west follow the B6399 from Newcastleton and pass under the Golden Bridge; the sign is about 400 yards further on.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
A 1960s buffet carriage next to the exhibition coach serves tea. Merchandise is sold through the association.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Educational and group visits are welcome; visitors are asked to contact the association with their requirements. |
