Lesmahagow Railway

It was a financially independent, self-contained unit within the framework of the Caledonian Railway.

[1] The line was built largely to transport the vast amount of coal being produced by the many mines in the area.

[5] There were major difficulties building the line as, following rain, the ground took up the appearance and consistency of black mud.

The former had to be re-constructed a few years following the opening as the heavy coal trains were causing considerable damage.

In a costly rebuild iron piers were inserted between the existing stone ones and the rail level was raised by 19½ feet permitting an easing of the approach gradients.

At one stage, eight engines were required to work the line and, owing to the weight of the coal being transported, they had to be the most powerful available.

Apart from coal, several other minerals were found in the area, and transportation by rail was the preferred option.