If you’ve visited Lochore Meadows recently, you’ve likely noticed a very special “resident” has finally returned home.
After a long journey, a few technical hiccups, and a whole lot of community spirit, the historic Lochore Meadows “Pug” Train is back on its tracks.
For those of us who grew up in the Benarty area or spent our weekends at “The Meedies,” the sight of this iconic steam engine is a powerful reminder of our local history and the industrial heart of Fife.
A Piece of Fife’s History
This isn’t just any train; it’s an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST locomotive, built in 1949. Originally serving the National Coal Board at the Frances Colliery in Dysart, this “pug” (a local term for a small industrial shunting engine) eventually retired to Lochore Meadows.
For decades, it sat as a silent witness to the park’s transformation from a working coalfield into the beautiful country park we enjoy today. It’s a landmark that generations of Fife children have climbed on, played around, and visited with their grandparents.
The Restoration Journey
Time and the Scottish weather hadn’t been kind to the old engine. By 2021, it was clear that the pug needed more than just a lick of paint, it needed a major rescue mission.
In a wonderful display of local generosity, Smeaton Services Fife Ltd stepped up to the plate. Keith and Donna Brown, who were born and raised in the Benarty area, took on the restoration as a charitable project.
They transported the engine to their yard in Kirkcaldy, where their team spent hundreds of hours of their own time meticulously repairing the metalwork and adding interactive features, like new levers and gauges, to make it even more exciting for future generations of children.
Overcoming the Final Hurdle
The return wasn’t without its drama! Originally scheduled to be reinstated in November 2024 as part of the “Save The Cage” mining heritage display, the train hit a snag.
A technical issue with the lifting equipment meant the engine had to be temporarily returned to storage just as it was about to be lowered into place.
But, as the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait.” On December 12th, 2024, the pug finally touched down in its permanent home beside the Mary Pit Wheel.
Why It Matters
The return of the train is the “finishing touch” to a wider heritage display that includes:
- The Mary Pit Wheel: A towering monument to the men who worked the shafts.
- The Miner’s Cage: A recent addition that tells the story of life underground.
- The Pug: Representing the transport that kept the industry moving day in and day out.
For the community, this project is about more than just old machinery. It’s about keeping the stories of our fathers and grandfathers alive. It shows what can be achieved when local businesses, the Council, and community groups like “Friends of Lochore Meadows” work together.
Plan Your Visit
Next time you’re at the Meedies for a walk, a coffee at the Willie Clarke Centre, or a visit to the new play park, make sure to stop by the heritage area.
The restored pug is looking better than ever and is ready for a new generation of memories.
