Cromarty and Dingwall Light Railway

Although the southern coast of the Black Isle had been served since 1894 by the Highland Railway's Fortrose Branch, the northern portion was left "somewhat off the beaten track.

"[1] A light railway running from Cromarty to Dingwall was proposed in 1897, as part of a wider programme to expand the Highland's network, to remedy this situation.

However, a "fierce discussion" arose over whether the line should instead join the Highland Railway at Conon, avoiding the cost of the bridge.

The dispute was resolved in favour of the Conon option when the Light Railway Commission "refused all assistance" if the Alcaig bridge were adopted.

However, further delays had arisen while the line's promoters negotiated with the Highland Railway to enable trains to continue over its tracks from Conon Bridge to Dingwall, and this situation was not resolved until after the order was issued.