THE first main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain in more than 50 years will haul its first train from Scotland this weekend.

Tornado, the steam engine built by volunteers in Darlington after a £3m fundraising drive, will make the journey from Edinburgh to York this afternoon.

The event, organised by rail tour promoter Past-Time Rail, will be Tornado’s first departure from the Scottish capital.

Past-Time Rail director Andy Staite said: “Tornado’s historic first departure from Scotland’s capital, beneath Edinburgh Castle, is the stuff dreams are made of.”

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: “Tornado’s first train from Scotland is the opening of a new chapter in the story of a project that many said could never be completed.”

The Peppercorn class A1 Tornado was named at York Station by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on February 19 – days before the engine made its first journey from York to Edinburgh, the first Peppercorn class t o make the trip in more than 40 years.

The Tornado, pulling the North Briton train, will depart from Edinburgh this afternoon and will call at Newcastle, Darlington and finally York.

The engine will then be diesel-hauled to Leeds.

Tickets are still available for the North Briton.

Fares start at £95 standard class, £135 first class and a £198 Silver Service Dining, which includes full English breakfast, lunch and fourcourse evening dinner.

Fares of £60 standard class and £90 first class are available one way from Edinburgh to Darlington.

Return journey with National Express is not included in these prices.

To check the availability of tickets contact 01543-411971.

Tornado departure times

Edinburgh - 2.19pm

Newcastle - 6.08pm

Darlington - 7.42pm

York - 8.32pm