9th October 2019 · ‘Another Evening With My Father’s Slides – Scotland

Presenter: David Cross

The name of the late photographer, Derek Cross is synonymous with superbly crafted railway images; his son, David made a second visit to the branch in October to show us a selection of Derek’s slides taken in Scotland between 1959 and 1984, the year of his untimely death. We were treated to a comprehensive tour that included some iconic locations such as Kyle of Lochalsh, Gleneagles, Glasgow St Enoch and Edinburgh Waverley. There was a good mix of steam, diesel and electrics on the national network and some industrial shots. David’s commentary added much to the presentation, especially as he had been present when some of the images were captured.

Your reviewer visited Scotland a couple of weeks previously and to see the changes that have occurred at such places as Gleneagles and Kyle of Lochalsh are quite daunting, a reduction in track layout and a big increase in greenery growth.

Space unfortunately, permits few of the many high points shown. One in particular was a shot of Derek, David and his younger brother watching a Class 40 diesel, all photographed by David’s mother, now aged 96!

A fabulous evening, David, you would have made your father very proud.