Report from The Dumfries Standard 1899 – Thanks to Sue Greig for this fascinating clipping :)

PROPOSED LIGHT RAILWAY FROM DUMFRIES TO GLENCAPLE

A meeting was held in Dumfries yesterday afternoon to consider a proposal to construct a light railway from Dumfries to Glencaple, a port and fishing village on the estuary of the Nith, five miles from the town.  Provost Glover was called to the chair.  Mr Charlton, grain merchant, said he knew of no place where there was more need of a railway.

There was a large passenger traffic, which could be greatly developed, and the shipping facilities would be a great advantage to merchants and others in the district. Mr McIntosh, farmer, Boreland said he was satisfied that £1500 to £2000 a year could be realised from passenger traffic alone, and that the line would pay well. It was essential that it should be of the same gauge as the ordinary lines, in order to save the cost of transhipping, and give them direct connections with the trunk railways.

Mr John Blacklock, solicitor, explained that a movement in which he took part some years ago for the construction of an ordinary railway was abandoned because of the heavy expense and the half-hearted support of landlords along the proposed route but the cost of the light railway would be very much less.  Mr Connell coal-master, Kirkconnel said a very considerable amount of shipping might be done in the export of coal, red sandstone and lead; so that every boat coming to Glencaple would be certain of a return cargo and this would materially lessen freights. 

A representative committee was appointed to make inquiry on the subject and prepare a report to be laid before a future meeting.