Memorandum of Understanding

Because of our enthusiasm for the rebuilding of the original Welsh Highland Railway as quickly as possibly, we have included here the draft Memorandum of Understanding which paves the way for effective and exciting cooperation with the Ffestiniog Railway.

Intention to Cooperate

The Welsh Highland Railway has pleasure in offering to the Ffestiniog Railway Company and its supporters active assistance and participation in the construction and operation of the Caernarfon to Dinas Railway.

The Ffestiniog Railway Company wishes to make known its intent, subject to land ownership and Rail Order provisions, to make a detailed agreement with the Welsh Highland Railway (1964) Company, for them to construct and operate the Pen-y-Mount to Pont Croesor Railway.

The two companies indicate their joint wish that their members, supporters and staff shall work together to achieve the restoration and operation of the Welsh Highland Railway.

Memorandum of Understanding

1. The aim of the Welsh Highland Railway (1964) Company is to be the guardians and exhibitors of the heritage of the old Welsh Highland Railway, with museum and demonstration line on the Gelert's Farm Site. The Ffestiniog Railway Company acknowledges and endorses these aims and assents to the formation of a detailed agreement to enable WHR'64 Co. vintage trains to run on the restored WHR.
2. The Ffestiniog Railway Company will expedite the construction by the WHR'64 Co. of the Pen-y-Mount to Pont Croesor Railway in exchange for active WHR'64 Co. involvement in the Caernarfon to Dinas Railway. The turning of the Understanding into an Agreement depends upon the operation of the following factors:
   
   • The required land title and the Dinas to Porthmadog Rail Order need to be acquired to make the project possible.
   • The earliest start date for Pont Croesor is likely to be in 1997.
   • The WHR'64 Co. assistance on Caernarfon to Dinas will be eagerly sought after lease and Light Railway Order are obtained.
   • The Understanding gives the first priority to establishing the Caernarfon to Dinas Railway for three reasons: firstly that it will bring the two organisations to close working proximity to foster relations between them; secondly this part of the railway will earn much needed funds to plough back into the restoration; thirdly the establishment of this piece of railway will make a helpful political and economic impact on the establishment of the whole.
3. At the earliest practical time the two parties agree to work together to construct the cross-town link, between FR and WHR. Thereafter agreement will be sought to run vintage shuttle services between Minffordd and Porthmadog stations. The objective of linking Porthmadog car parks with Portmeirion shall be a major commercial aim, as well as satisfying both company's normal aspirations to serve the tourist markets.