Tain's Platform 1864 restaurant thanks locals who backed businessman's leap of faith
The man who breathed new life into an old railway station building by converting it into a bistro invited some of the people who had supported the project for afternoon tea for a special occasion.
Graham Rooney, chef/owner of Platform 1864 in Tain, welcomed members of Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust to a talk and refreshments and to thank the Trust for its help. He paid particular tribute to the late Susanah Stone and to Hamish Mackenzie and Lachie Stewart for helping him achieve his dream.
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Tain Railway Station - a Grade B listed building - was built by Murdoch Patterson, the renowned engineer for the Highland Railway, in 1864. It comprised the station building, two engine sheds, a water tower and turntable and at the peak of the age of steam it employed more than 30 people.
But the advent of diesel engines changed the economic outlook, and the facilities were closed in 1962, with the sheds and tower demolished. The outline of the turntable wall can still be seen on The Links, behind the southbound platform.
The station was left unmanned and the station building remained boarded up for 50 years until Graham saw its potential and set about giving it a new lease of life.
Platform 1864 bistro opened 2015 and has become a firm favourite with local people and visitors.
“Graham has been keen to maintain the railway theme and told stories of how he acquired old station signs for Tain, Golspie and Invergordon, as well as other memorabilia,” said Trust Chairman, Richard Littlewood.
“He recounted the day of the official opening by Jamie Stone MP when, as the ceremony started, two trains arrived in the station. He said that was an auspicious sign and the business has gone from strength to strength for over eight years.
“Platform 1864 has been a welcome addition to the town, attracting both locals and tourists. It also shows what can be done with important buildings that are lying empty and neglected in many towns.”
