Set in a 49 acre site north of Dunfermline, as the name suggests the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum is the home of over 100 buses. But that’s not all there is as there are also trains and of most interest to those reading these words – two trams. David Mee paid a visit in June 2024.
Both of the trams have been featured on these pages before but its worth giving the museum a bit more publicity so if you’re in the region you can pay them a visit; they are two of three preserved Edinburgh tramcars and interestingly all three cover different era (horse, cable and overhead electric).
The horse tram era is represented at the Museum by no. 23. Built in 1885 (at Shrubhill works) the tram would have 15 years of operation, firstly with Edinburgh Street Tramways Company and then Edinburgh District Tramways Company from 1896 after they took over operation of the lines. Like so many redundant trams it was sold on and it ended up being used as a garden summer house at Newtown St Boswells in the Scottish borders. It would stay there for over a century when in 2005 its owners decided to investigate its history which led to a trust being formed to allow the tram to be restored back to its former glory. Work took place between 2007 and 2012 which saw it restored and its now on display at the museum; it is in working condition but has never been operated.
The second tram at the museum is a former cable tramcar. No. 226 was built by Dick Kerr at Preston in 1903 and would be converted to overhead electric operation in 1923. Withdrawn in 1938 it became a holiday chalet and would remain like this for almost 50 years. 1987 saw the Lothian Region Transport purchase it looking towards its restoration and saw the 226 Group formed. Work had been underway for the best part of 30 years but with limited progress made a new Trust was created with the plan being that the work will now be completed at the Scottish Bus Museum.
And what of the overhead electric era? That is represented at the Crich Tramway Village by Edinburgh 35.
There was an event taking place at the museum during this visit so the trams were surrounded but this view shows horse car 23 in all its glory.
A side view of 23 showing off some of its recreated period adverts.
Restoration of 226 is progressing and the high quality work being undertaken can be seen here.
226 and 23 are displayed side by side at the museum. (All Photographs by David Mee, 16th June 2024)
- Full details of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum can be seen on their website at https://www.svbm.online/