Hargreaves Land has signed a five-year lease with the Doon Valley Railway (DVR), enabling the heritage railway to operate over a 3.5km stretch of rail line in East Ayrshire and further enhance its visitor experience.

The rail line, which runs between Dunaskin near Patna and Minnivey Station at Dalmellington, was historically used to transport coal from opencast and deep mines across the Doon Valley. Freight operations ceased almost 15 years ago, marking the end of a significant chapter in the area’s industrial history.

Under the new agreement, granted at nil consideration, the DVR will be able to offer visitors a 7km round trip using a selection of steam and diesel locomotives that once worked across the region. The extension will allow the volunteer-run railway to showcase more of the valley while bringing its industrial heritage to life for visitors.

The Doon Valley Railway is a well-established tourist attraction and is ranked among the top 10 visitor attractions in Ayrshire. In addition to operating passenger services at weekends between May and September, the railway hosts a range of themed events throughout the year and operates a museum and café on site. The group recorded its busiest year to date in 2025 and has ambitious plans to continue expanding the attraction in the coming months and years.

Hargreaves Land has supported the DVR in previous years through its CSR Fund and views the new lease as a further opportunity to contribute to the area’s tourism and heritage offering.

Ross Macdonald, Senior Development Surveyor at Hargreaves Land, said: “Hargreaves Land has supported the Doon Valley Railway for many years and is delighted to help them expand their attraction in the Doon Valley. The route will provide visitors with fantastic views along the valley and assists both the group and East Ayrshire Council with their tourism drive in the area.”

The Doon Valley Railway, part of the heritage railways in Scotland, is operated by the dedicated volunteers of the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group. This initiative contributes to the rich tapestry of preserved railways in Scotland, showcasing the charm of Scotland’s heritage railways.

For more information about the Doon Valley Railway please visit: https://doonvalleyrailway.co.uk/