A rather special guest from Scotland is due to arrive in the West Country in May, to the delight of steam train enthusiasts.

The visit is a significant first for the West Somerset Railway since the engine, the 111-year-old Caledonian Railway 0-4-4 tank No. 419, is the last survivor of its type and has never before ventured to the region.

The blue-painted visitor will star at the WSR’s four-day Spring Steam Gala from May 5 to May 8, joining the home fleet of locos in providing an intensive timetable of services, including non-stop trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead – some double-headed – rarely-available trips to Norton Fitzwarren, and demonstration goods trains.

Other attractions include the chance to see the work at the and engine shed in Minehead as well as the resort’s turntable in use, while Stogumber station’s restored cattle dock will be officially re-opened.

Meanwhile the WSR will celebrate the modernisation of Minehead’s Seaward Way level crossing with an official re-opening ceremony this week-end (April 2 and 3), when there will a number of stalls and exhibitions on the station, live music, children’s entertainment and vintage bus rides.

The Caledonian Railway’s tank engine No. 419, built in Glasgow in 1907, was used on branch lines, fast suburban trains and shunting duties. It was taken over by the old LMS Railway and finally by British Rail before being sent for scrap in 1962.

It was then rescued the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, restored to full working order and repainted in its original blue colour. Since then it has visited several heritage railways but has not been seen before in the West.