Status Closed Propulsion system(s) Electric Open 19 August 1902 Close 30 September 1936 | Track gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Route length 4.87 miles (7.84 km) Depot Port Bannatyne Locale Rothesay | |
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The Rothesay and Ettrick Bay Light Railway was a narrow gauge electric tramway on the Isle of Bute, Scotland.
Contents
History
The original tramway was opened in 1882 - a horse-drawn 4 ft (1,219 mm) gauge tramway running from the promenade at Rothesay to Port Bannatyne.
In 1901 the tramway was bought by British Electric Traction and closed on 2 March 1902 for modernisation. It was regauged to 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) and electrified. Some horse-drawn vehicles were re-gauged and operated a temporary service until the electrification was complete. Electric services started on 13 August 1902.
On 13 July 1905 a 2 1⁄8-mile extension from Port Bannatyne to Ettrick Bay along a reserved right of way was opened. It had been built by Dick, Kerr & Co.
On 1 January 1914, control of the company passed to the Scottish General Transport Company.
Fleet
Closure
On 1 June 1932, the company name changed to Western Scottish Motor Traction Company, and the tramway closed on 30 September 1936.
The depot in Port Bannatyne is still in use as a bus garage.