The Lesmahagow Railway, south of Glasgow in Scotland, was developed by a company known as The Lesmahagow Branches (later known as The Lesmahagow Guarantee Company). It was not an independent company in the usual sense. It was a financially independent, self-contained unit within the framework of the Caledonian Railway. The shareholders and officers of both companies were mainly the same people.[1] The line was built largely to transport the vast amount of coal being produced by the many mines in the area.[2] Royal assent was given to build the line in 1847 but construction did not commence till 1854. In 1856 the line was opened in stages.[1] Later there was found to be a demand for passenger services which commenced in 1868.[2] In 1923, with the grouping, the CR amalgamated with several other companies to form the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) which, following nationalisation in 1947, became part of British Railways.
- ^ a b Thomas, John (1976). Forgotten Railways Scotland. David & Charles. pp. 81–84. ISBN 0 7153 7185 1.
- ^ a b Thomas, John (1971). A regional history of the Railways of Great Britain Volume V1 Scotland: the Lowlands and the Borders. David & Charles. pp. 151–152. ISBN 0 7153 5408 6.