Flying Scotsman, the iconic steam locomotive known as the most famous in the world, has made a poignant return to Doncaster, the city where it was built a century ago.

The locomotive’s centenary was commemorated with a warm reception at Doncaster Railway Station, attended by invited guests, civic dignitaries, and family members with proud connections to the renowned Flying Scotsman.

This special visit was organised by the City of Doncaster Council and London North Eastern Railway (LNER), with support from the National Railway Museum.

Arriving at Doncaster Railway Station, Flying Scotsman took centre stage on Platform 4, evoking nostalgic sentiments among those in attendance.

The locomotive holds a significant place in Doncaster’s history, as it was the first locomotive built at the Doncaster Works by the newly established LNER in 1923, a milestone also being celebrated during the LNER’s centenary this year.

Over her forty years of service, Flying Scotsman achieved remarkable feats, breaking numerous world speed and distance records. She played a vital role on the East Coast Main Line, connecting the capitals of England and Scotland, as one of the famous locomotives introduced by LNER. Flying Scotsman went into service on February 24, 1923, at a cost of £7,944.

She holds the distinction of being the first locomotive to officially reach 100mph in the UK and the first to circumnavigate the globe, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of railway history.

Among the guests gathered on Platform 4 was Molly Jackson, whose father, Wilston Samuel Jackson, proudly contributed to LNER’s legacy.

In 1962, Wilston Samuel Jackson became Britain’s first black train driver, enjoying a long and successful career driving famous locomotives for LNER, including the iconic Flying Scotsman.

His presence at the event exemplified the intergenerational ties and deep connection that families have with the storied locomotive. You can read more about WIlston Samuel Jackson at the Black History Month website.

To celebrate Flying Scotsman’s centenary year, a series of events are taking place throughout Doncaster. Schools, museums, and libraries are actively participating in the festivities, highlighting the locomotive’s historic significance.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “I am delighted to welcome Flying Scotsman back home to her birthplace here in Doncaster. We are incredibly proud of our rail heritage, and we will always be associated with this iconic locomotive.

“We are looking forward to another visit later this year, where Flying Scotsman will be here in Doncaster once again and members of the public will have the chance to see the locomotive up close. More details about this will be shared in the coming weeks.

“I would like to thank LNER for hosting this wonderful event today and we congratulate them for 100 years of history. I would also like to thank the National Railway Museum for their support.”

David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “This is a proud day for Doncaster and a proud day for us here at LNER, welcoming Flying Scotsman back to the city where she was built in her centenary year. Over the past century, LNER has pushed boundaries to create ever greater feats of engineering, speed, comfort and customer service while improving journeys between London to Scotland. Flying Scotsman is part of that rich heritage, and that pioneering spirit continues in LNER today as we look to provide our customers with the best possible travel experience.”