The Far North Line Community Rail Partnership was designated in May 2023 as the CRP covering the northern part of the Far North Line, from Fearn northwards to Wick and Thurso. The CRP has the following aims:

• To promote the Far North Line and the businesses, services and visitor attractions which can be reached on it – especially in Caithness & Sutherland;
• To sustain local communities through promoting the social, economic and tourism potential of rail travel; improving station facilities and supporting social enterprise developments;
• To work with the local tourism industry, local communities and local businesses to achieve this aim:
• To encourage travel by rail and by other sustainable transport modes and to work positively with other transport providers in the region in support of public transport integrated timetabling and, where possible, integrated ticketing;
• To improve station environment, safety and access along the route through station adoption and other initiatives and so develop links between the railway and the communities which it serves;
• To make the case for any station re-openings or additional rail services;
• To identify potential external funding for projects which meet these objectives and work to secure such funding.

Currently, there are around 20 stakeholders who approve and prioritise the activities of the CRP.  These include Venture North, Friends of the Far North Line, Cycling UK, John O’Groats Trail, community development trusts along the line and community representatives for the 19 stations covered by the CRP.

If you would like further information or are interested in becoming a Stakeholder, contact the secretary, Michael Willmot, at hello@fnlcrp.co.uk.