The National Railway Museum has released an update on Flying Scotsman and its intended tour programme after the shunting incident at the Strathspey Railway.

Following the incident, a full inspection of the famous locomotive has taken place at the railway and has been passed for mainline operation.

An investigation is ongoing, but the RAIB says that the locomotive is not needed as part of its investigation.

Tours departing Edinburgh on the 7th October, 8th October and 10th October will all go ahead as planned.

A spokesperson for the NRM said “Following a full mechanical inspection of Flying Scotsman which took place at Strathspey Railway this week, the locomotive has been passed fit for main line operation.

The investigation was carried out by an independent expert on behalf of Strathspey Railway, and the NRM’s collections and rail operations teams. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed it does not require the locomotive as part of its ongoing enquiries.

The Railway Touring Company excursions ‘The Highland Express’ on Saturday 7 October, ‘The Fife Circulars’ on Sunday 8 October and The Aberdeen Flyer on Tuesday 10 October, all departing from Edinburgh Waverley, will go ahead as planned. Passengers will be contacted by The Railway Touring Company with ticket information.

The safety of passengers and the public remains the highest priority and the independent investigation into the circumstances of the shunting incident involving Flying Scotsman on Friday 29 September will continue.

Future rail tours and centenary appearances including The Railway Touring Company excursions ‘The Hadrian’ on Saturday 14 October and the visit to the National Railway Museum over October half term will also go ahead.

Please note in common with other rail tours, details of Flying Scotsman’s journey on 8 October will not be shared in advance to deter trespass.”