August 2026: The Rio Grande has suffered a significant mechanical failure and is expected to be out of action for a number of weeks. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and we are doing our best to get the situation resolved as soon as possible.
Rides on the miniature railway around the large boating pond are synonymous with trips to Craigtoun and have been the delight of visitors, both young and old, for generations. To ride on the Rio Grande, you must first purchase your ticket from the Ticket Office before queuing up at the Train Station.
It is not possible to load a wheelchair directly on to the carriages but wheelchairs and buggies can be left at the the station and our helpful staff can assist persons of reduced mobility on and off the train. The current Train Station at Craigtoun was constructed in 2015 thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of St Andrews.
Miniature railway enthusiasts might like to know that the rolling stock was all built by Severn Lamb and consists of two open and one semi-open ‘toast-rack’ carriages. The motive power is provided by a 2-8-0 DH steam-outline locomotive built in 1973, designed to resemble a steam locomotive of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The 15 in (381 mm) gauge railway has been running at Craigtoun since 1976.
