Cathcart Circle Lines
Encyclopedia
The Cathcart Circle Lines form a suburban railway route linking Glasgow
(Central) to Cathcart
via a circular line, with branches to Newton
and Neilston
. All of the routes serve Glasgow's southern suburbs, i.e. on the south bank of the River Clyde
. The routes are part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
network.
(Cathcart Circle) and the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
(Newton and Neilston lines). The first part of the railway was opened to public traffic on 1 March 1886 as a double line from Glasgow Central to and thereafter as a single line towards Cathcart. The double line reached Cathcart on 26 May 1886. The familiar circular route back to Central station via Shawlands and Maxwell Park was completed on 2 April 1894.
The Newton and Neilston branches were originally built to provide a through route from the Lanarkshire
coalfields to ports such as Ardrossan
on the Ayrshire
coast. There is still a junction with other lines at Newton, but the track beyond Neilston has been lifted.
The railways originally carried significant amounts of freight, but commuter trains are the only regular users now. Football special services are sometimes run to Mount Florida and stations for major matches at Hampden Park
.
When the lines were originally built, much of the land around them was open countryside. The existence of a commuter railway was a major factor in the development of Glasgow's southern suburbs.
On weekdays the services have provided a vital transport link for school pupils and college students at nearby schools and higher education establishments, contributing to passenger numbers on top of the commuter traffic.
The route was electrified
in 1962 to the standard 25 kV AC
; however, limited clearances in the cuttings between and Mount Florida meant that that section was electrified at 6.25 kV. The Class 303
units - which had dual voltage capability - replaced steam trains and early diesel units.
The electric "Blue Trains" were introduced for passenger service on the Cathcart Circle and its associated branch lines on Monday 28 May 1962, after a trial run the previous day. Over 5,500 passengers were reported as using the new electric commuter services in their first morning rush hour.
. "Outer Circle" services run in a clockwise direction, while "Inner Circle" services run in an anti-clockwise direction.
. Diverges from the Cathcart Circle Line at either (clockwise) or (anti-clockwise). The link from the Langside direction was put in place during electrification.
. Diverges from the Cathcart Circle Line at Cathcart
(clockwise only).
route.
During this period the basic service pattern was on a 30 minute frequency (two per hour) was Glasgow Central to Neilston (via Mount Florida); Glasgow Central to Motherwell (via Mount Florida); Glasgow Central to Kirkhill (via Maxwell Park); and Cathcart Circle (Inner and Outer).
, which included the Hamilton Circle lines, resulted in east side services being terminated at Newton. Peak time services from east and west sides operated to Motherwell via Blantyre and Hamilton.
brought more changes, with the major change being the extension of west side services from Kirkhill to Newton.
Until the late 1980s, there were four trains an hour on the Newton branch (two via Maxwell Park and two via Queen's Park) and two trains an hour in each direction around the Cathcart Circle, in addition to the services on the Neilston branch.
, with most services using Class 314
electric multiple unit
s although Class 318s
and Class 334s (Juniper units)
make occasional appearances on the line.
This frequency combined creates a thirty minute service on the west side of the circle, Neilston and Newton branches; three trains per hour at Cathcart; and four trains per hour to stations between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida. Although frequent, these service levels are less than those of the 1960s.
At peak times the above services combine to have trains running approximately every 5–10 minutes between Glasgow Central and Cathcart, where line capacity permits. Commuter levels on this line are quite high and therefore a high density service is required at such busy periods.
Upon electrification in 1962, Class 303s
. Following electrification of the Inverclyde Line
in 1967, Class 311
units were also used. Following the introduction of the Class 318
in 1986, they made occasional trips onto the Cathcart Circle line. The Class 311 were withdrawn in 1999, and following the introduction of the Class 334
the Class 303 were withdrawn in 2002 and a major redeployment of Strathclyde electric fleet took place, resulting in the Class 314s
taking over the line, supplemented occasionally by Classes 318 and 334.
In 2011 Class 314s
primarily operate the Cathcart Circle (including Newton
, Neilston
services) with Class 318s
occasionally being used. During peak hours Class 380s
are used, but will be restricted to the Cathcart Circle Line.
, however never at any time have such proposals been beyond the initial suggestion stage. Most recently, in December 2008 Transport Scotland
's Strategic Transport Projects Review suggested an upgrade of the Cathcart Circle line to light rail as part of a wider light rail network for metropolitan Glasgow, incorporating both new lines and re-purposed older alignments. If taken forward, this proposal would be implemented during the period 2012 - 2022, in line with the scope of the strategic review.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
(Central) to Cathcart
Cathcart
Cathcart is an area of Glasgow between Mount Florida, King's Park, Muirend and Newlands. The White Cart Water flows through Cathcart, downstream from Linn Park....
via a circular line, with branches to Newton
Newton (South Lanarkshire) railway station
Newton railway station is a railway station located between the town of Cambuslang and the village of Newton in South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, Scotland. The station is managed by First ScotRail on the Argyle and Cathcart Circle Lines.-History:...
and Neilston
Neilston
Neilston is a village and parish in East Renfrewshire set in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. It lies in the Levern Valley, southwest of Barrhead, south of Paisley, and south-southwest of Renfrew, at the southwestern fringe of the Greater Glasgow conurbation...
. All of the routes serve Glasgow's southern suburbs, i.e. on the south bank of the River Clyde
River Clyde
The River Clyde is a major river in Scotland. It is the ninth longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third longest in Scotland. Flowing through the major city of Glasgow, it was an important river for shipbuilding and trade in the British Empire....
. The routes are part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is a public body which is responsible for planning and co-ordinating regional transport, and especially the public transport system, in the Strathclyde area of western Scotland...
network.
History
The Cathcart Circle Lines are formed of lines built by the Cathcart District RailwayCathcart District Railway
The Cathcart District Railway was authorised on 7 September 1880. The eastern section to Cathcart opened to Mount Florida station on 1 March 1886. The line was completed through to the first Cathcart station on 25 May 1886...
(Cathcart Circle) and the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
The Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway was a railway company in Scotland built in the late 19th century that provided services between Ardrossan and Glasgow, with branches to Irvine and Kilbirnie. The line was operated by the Caledonian Railway with an aim to compete with the Glasgow and South...
(Newton and Neilston lines). The first part of the railway was opened to public traffic on 1 March 1886 as a double line from Glasgow Central to and thereafter as a single line towards Cathcart. The double line reached Cathcart on 26 May 1886. The familiar circular route back to Central station via Shawlands and Maxwell Park was completed on 2 April 1894.
The Newton and Neilston branches were originally built to provide a through route from the Lanarkshire
Lanarkshire
Lanarkshire or the County of Lanark ) is a Lieutenancy area, registration county and former local government county in the central Lowlands of Scotland...
coalfields to ports such as Ardrossan
Ardrossan
Ardrossan is a town on the North Ayrshire coast in south-western Scotland. The name "Ardrossan" describes its physical position — 'ard' from the Gaelic àird meaning headland, 'ros' a promontory and the diminutive suffix '-an' - headland of the little promontory...
on the Ayrshire
Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland, United Kingdom, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. The town of Troon on the coast has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the...
coast. There is still a junction with other lines at Newton, but the track beyond Neilston has been lifted.
The railways originally carried significant amounts of freight, but commuter trains are the only regular users now. Football special services are sometimes run to Mount Florida and stations for major matches at Hampden Park
Hampden Park
Hampden Park is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 52,063 capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland...
.
When the lines were originally built, much of the land around them was open countryside. The existence of a commuter railway was a major factor in the development of Glasgow's southern suburbs.
On weekdays the services have provided a vital transport link for school pupils and college students at nearby schools and higher education establishments, contributing to passenger numbers on top of the commuter traffic.
The route was electrified
Railway electrification in Great Britain
Railway electrification in Great Britain started towards of the 19th century. A great range of voltages have been used in the intervening period using both overhead lines and third rails, however the most common standard for mainline services is now 25 kV AC using overhead lines and the...
in 1962 to the standard 25 kV AC
25 kV AC
The 25 kV Alternating current railway electrification system is commonly used in railways worldwide, especially for high-speed rail.-Overview:This electrification system is ideal for railways that cover long distances and/or carry heavy traffic...
; however, limited clearances in the cuttings between and Mount Florida meant that that section was electrified at 6.25 kV. The Class 303
British Rail Class 303
The British Rail Class 303 electric multiple units, also known as "Blue Train" units, were introduced in 1960 for the electrification of the North Clyde and the Cathcart Circle lines in Strathclyde...
units - which had dual voltage capability - replaced steam trains and early diesel units.
The electric "Blue Trains" were introduced for passenger service on the Cathcart Circle and its associated branch lines on Monday 28 May 1962, after a trial run the previous day. Over 5,500 passengers were reported as using the new electric commuter services in their first morning rush hour.
Cathcart Circle
Built by the Cathcart District RailwayCathcart District Railway
The Cathcart District Railway was authorised on 7 September 1880. The eastern section to Cathcart opened to Mount Florida station on 1 March 1886. The line was completed through to the first Cathcart station on 25 May 1886...
. "Outer Circle" services run in a clockwise direction, while "Inner Circle" services run in an anti-clockwise direction.
Newton Branch Line
Built by the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire RailwayLanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
The Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway was a railway company in Scotland built in the late 19th century that provided services between Ardrossan and Glasgow, with branches to Irvine and Kilbirnie. The line was operated by the Caledonian Railway with an aim to compete with the Glasgow and South...
. Diverges from the Cathcart Circle Line at either (clockwise) or (anti-clockwise). The link from the Langside direction was put in place during electrification.
Neilston Branch Line
Also built by the Lanarkshire and Ayrshire RailwayLanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
The Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway was a railway company in Scotland built in the late 19th century that provided services between Ardrossan and Glasgow, with branches to Irvine and Kilbirnie. The line was operated by the Caledonian Railway with an aim to compete with the Glasgow and South...
. Diverges from the Cathcart Circle Line at Cathcart
Cathcart railway station
Cathcart railway station is a railway station serving the Cathcart area of Glasgow, Scotland. It is located on the Cathcart Circle Line south of Glasgow Central...
(clockwise only).
Following electrification in 1962
Passenger services around the west side of the Cathcart Circle onto the L&AR lines eastbound, terminating at , whilst east side services running through to Newton, with many being extended through to via the Clydesdale Junction RailwayClydesdale Junction Railway
The Clydesdale Junction Railway was a railway company in Scotland that was formed to run trains between Rutherglen and Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.- History :It received its Royal Assent on 31 July 1845....
route.
During this period the basic service pattern was on a 30 minute frequency (two per hour) was Glasgow Central to Neilston (via Mount Florida); Glasgow Central to Motherwell (via Mount Florida); Glasgow Central to Kirkhill (via Maxwell Park); and Cathcart Circle (Inner and Outer).
West Coast Main Line electrification 1974
Electrification of the West Coast Main LineWest Coast Main Line
The West Coast Main Line is the busiest mixed-traffic railway route in Britain, being the country's most important rail backbone in terms of population served. Fast, long-distance inter-city passenger services are provided between London, the West Midlands, the North West, North Wales and the...
, which included the Hamilton Circle lines, resulted in east side services being terminated at Newton. Peak time services from east and west sides operated to Motherwell via Blantyre and Hamilton.
Argyle Line opening in 1979
Opening of the Argyle LineArgyle Line
The Argyle Line is a suburban railway located in West Central Scotland. It connects the Lanarkshire towns of Lanark, Larkhall and Motherwell to West Dunbartonshire via central Glasgow using sub-surface running...
brought more changes, with the major change being the extension of west side services from Kirkhill to Newton.
Until the late 1980s, there were four trains an hour on the Newton branch (two via Maxwell Park and two via Queen's Park) and two trains an hour in each direction around the Cathcart Circle, in addition to the services on the Neilston branch.
2006/07
Passenger services are operated by First ScotRailFirst ScotRail
ScotRail Railways Ltd. is the FirstGroup-owned train operating company running domestic passenger trains within Scotland, northern England and the cross-border Caledonian Sleeper service to London using the brand ScotRail which is the property of the Scottish Government...
, with most services using Class 314
British Rail Class 314
British Rail Class 314 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in 1979. They were the third variety of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five classes...
electric multiple unit
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
s although Class 318s
British Rail Class 318
The British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit train, which operates exclusively in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29 September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between and...
and Class 334s (Juniper units)
British Rail Class 334
The British Rail Class 334 is a suburban electric multiple unit built by Alstom in Birmingham. They are part of the Juniper family of trains along with Classes 458 and 460. They were built for SPT/ScotRail outer suburban services in Glasgow, UK. They later became part of First ScotRail/SPT fleet...
make occasional appearances on the line.
2008
The basic service (Monday to Sunday) is every thirty minutes between Glasgow Central and Neilston (via Mount Florida); and every hour between Glasgow Central and Newton (via Mount Florida); Glasgow Central and Newton (via Maxwell Park); and Cathcart Circle (Inner and Outer). The Inner and Outer Circle trains do not run on Sundays.This frequency combined creates a thirty minute service on the west side of the circle, Neilston and Newton branches; three trains per hour at Cathcart; and four trains per hour to stations between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida. Although frequent, these service levels are less than those of the 1960s.
At peak times the above services combine to have trains running approximately every 5–10 minutes between Glasgow Central and Cathcart, where line capacity permits. Commuter levels on this line are quite high and therefore a high density service is required at such busy periods.
Rolling stock
British Rail Class 303
The British Rail Class 303 electric multiple units, also known as "Blue Train" units, were introduced in 1960 for the electrification of the North Clyde and the Cathcart Circle lines in Strathclyde...
. Following electrification of the Inverclyde Line
Inverclyde Line
The Inverclyde Line is a railway line running from Glasgow Central station through Paisley and a series of stations to the south of the River Clyde and the Firth of Clyde, terminating at Gourock and Wemyss Bay, where it connects to Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services...
in 1967, Class 311
British Rail Class 311
The British Rail Class 311 alternating current electric multiple units were built by Cravens at Sheffield in 1967. They were intended for use on the line from to and , which was electrified in 1967.-Appearance:...
units were also used. Following the introduction of the Class 318
British Rail Class 318
The British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit train, which operates exclusively in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29 September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between and...
in 1986, they made occasional trips onto the Cathcart Circle line. The Class 311 were withdrawn in 1999, and following the introduction of the Class 334
British Rail Class 334
The British Rail Class 334 is a suburban electric multiple unit built by Alstom in Birmingham. They are part of the Juniper family of trains along with Classes 458 and 460. They were built for SPT/ScotRail outer suburban services in Glasgow, UK. They later became part of First ScotRail/SPT fleet...
the Class 303 were withdrawn in 2002 and a major redeployment of Strathclyde electric fleet took place, resulting in the Class 314s
British Rail Class 314
British Rail Class 314 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in 1979. They were the third variety of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five classes...
taking over the line, supplemented occasionally by Classes 318 and 334.
In 2011 Class 314s
British Rail Class 314
British Rail Class 314 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in 1979. They were the third variety of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five classes...
primarily operate the Cathcart Circle (including Newton
Newton (South Lanarkshire) railway station
Newton railway station is a railway station located between the town of Cambuslang and the village of Newton in South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, Scotland. The station is managed by First ScotRail on the Argyle and Cathcart Circle Lines.-History:...
, Neilston
Neilston
Neilston is a village and parish in East Renfrewshire set in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. It lies in the Levern Valley, southwest of Barrhead, south of Paisley, and south-southwest of Renfrew, at the southwestern fringe of the Greater Glasgow conurbation...
services) with Class 318s
British Rail Class 318
The British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit train, which operates exclusively in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29 September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between and...
occasionally being used. During peak hours Class 380s
British Rail Class 380
Class 380 is the designation given to a class of electric multiple unit trains which operate on the national railway network in Scotland.- Description :...
are used, but will be restricted to the Cathcart Circle Line.
Light rail conversion
There have also been proposals mooted at various times to convert the line to light railLight rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
, however never at any time have such proposals been beyond the initial suggestion stage. Most recently, in December 2008 Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland was created on 1 January 2006 as the national transport agency of Scotland. It is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government's Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department and accountable to Scottish Ministers...
's Strategic Transport Projects Review suggested an upgrade of the Cathcart Circle line to light rail as part of a wider light rail network for metropolitan Glasgow, incorporating both new lines and re-purposed older alignments. If taken forward, this proposal would be implemented during the period 2012 - 2022, in line with the scope of the strategic review.