The system was described in the Leeds Times of Saturday 18 May 1889 as follows: Scotland has so many waterfalls that it is not surprising to find a beginning made in utilising their power for electric railways.

The conductors laid along the line consist of rectangular rods of very pure iron, placed, one on each side, about a foot from the rails.

They are supported on special insulators on an elastic fastening of steel, which allows of no side oscillation, and permits the rods to expand freely.

The line can be run direct from the dynamo, or through the agency of accumulators, of which there is a supply at Carstairs House for the electric lighting installation.

[3]Electric services probably ceased around 1895 and then the line was operated for goods traffic using horse power for a few more years.