Modern Social History · The Borderlands
Flying Scotsman ON-OFF-ON again??
It began with excitement. Then came the cancellation. And just when steam fans gave up hope—she roared back to life.
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It began with excitement. Then came the cancellation. And just when steam fans gave up hope—she roared back to life. Load the film below, then press play to watch it here in the archive.
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Privacy & cookiesA man discusses the decision to axe the Flying Scotsman’s trip to the Scottish Borders, the BBC’s reluctance to show any programmes about the area but then gets a surprise!
Steam, the Scottish Borders… and a Surprise Twist
It started with excitement.
Then came disappointment.
And just when all hope was lost—surprise.
The legendary Flying Scotsman—that elegant, steam-powered icon of British rail history—was supposed to grace the tracks of the Scottish Borders. For those of us who live in or love this region, it was set to be a moment of pride, a rare and beautiful celebration of history, heritage, and our often-overlooked corner of Scotland.
But then… it got cancelled.
And not just any cancellation. A quiet, confusing one. One that left more questions than answers.
Off the Rails
When the trip was suddenly axed, locals were left stunned—and, frankly, frustrated. No official reasoning. No major headlines. Just the echoing sense that once again, the Borders were being overlooked.
We’ve seen this pattern before. Whether it’s travel programming, documentaries, or nationwide cultural broadcasts, the BBC and other major outlets often seem hesitant—if not outright reluctant—to shine a spotlight on the Borders.
As if the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and living heritage of this region somehow don’t fit the narrative.
So, naturally, when the Flying Scotsman’s Borders appearance was cancelled, many of us chalked it up to the same old story.
The BBC Blind Spot
The man in the video puts it plainly: Why won’t the BBC showcase the Borders?
From the Reivers to Roman forts, hill forts to heroic legends, the Borders is soaked in the stuff of epic storytelling. Yet year after year, we get passed over in favour of the Highlands, the cities, or the usual tourism darlings.
And it stings—because people here care deeply about telling our story.
Surprise! It’s Back On
But then… something strange happened.
The Flying Scotsman’s Borders run was back on.
No fanfare, no major media splash—just a quiet reversal of the cancellation. And not only that: suddenly, there was a BBC programme featuring the Borders, too.
A small victory? Maybe.
A coincidence? Possibly.
A turning of the tide? We can hope.
Because whether it’s a world-famous locomotive or a five-minute feature on national TV, every spotlight matters when you’re part of a region that’s too often left in the shadows.
More Than Just a Train
For many, the Flying Scotsman is about more than steam, steel, and nostalgia. It’s about recognition. It’s about seeing something iconic roll through your town and knowing that, just for a moment, the eyes of the country are on your stretch of track.
And for those of us in the Borders, that matters.
It tells us that our stories are worth telling. Our history is worth filming. Our rails are worth riding.
Catch the Full Story
If you want to hear the full account—straight from the man who lived it—check out this fantastic video:
It’s passionate, insightful, and captures the frustration and joy of loving a region that’s so often left off the map.
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