Official ferry service starts between Kyle and Kyleakin, using a large rowing boat – though the sea passage has been used since Viking times at least.

Railway line between Inverness and Dingwall is opened.

Dingwall and Skye Railway proposed by landowners on Skye and along the route seeking to develop their estates. It is authorised the following year. 

Stromeferry Riot – 200 fishermen try to stop the unloading of fish on a Sunday.

Work starts on the Kyle Extension. The 10 mile stretch of railway from Stromeferry to Kyle is hugely expensive, requiring 29 bridges and more than 30 rock cuttings.

Kyle expands rapidly – from a handful of houses to a busy rail and sea terminal and commercial centre.  Fish can now reach Billingsgate Market in London within 24 hours of landing, and the transport of livestock is also revolutionised. The Highland Railway sells off plots of land to encourage development and settlement.

First motor boat used on Kyle–Kyleakin crossing. It is able to tow a car mounted on the rowing boat ferry.

Kyle is a major naval base During World War I. Northern Scotland is of great strategic importance and becomes a Restricted Area requiring travel permits. The Kyle Railway is requisitioned by the Admiralty – the Government department responsible for the Royal Navy – and sees massive flows of naval personnel and supplies.

On 31 December Kyle is the departure point for HMY Iolaire, bringing soldiers returning from World War I home to the Outer Hebrides. Early the next morning it sinks close to its destination with the tragic loss of 205 passengers.

Last ‘Skye Bogie’ scrapped as trains become too heavy for them to pull. The Skye Bogie was a special class of engine developed to cope with the steep gradients and sharp curves of the line.

First turntable ferry for carrying a motor vehicle introduced on the Kyle–Kyleakin crossing. A ferry able to carry two cars is introduced 1936.

First day excursion from Glasgow to Skye by railway. Needing two overnight journeys, it required cars for dining and sleeping.

During World War II, Kyle again becomes a key naval base (‘port ZA’). Northern Scotland is strategically vital and becomes a Restricted Area. The railway carries service personnel, arms and other equipment to Scotland’s northeast coast, to be used in convoy operations. Mines are stored along the line in specially constructed sidings.

A loaded minelayer, HMS Port Napier, catches fire alongside the pier. Disaster is avoided as the wreck is taken across the Kyle and scuttled – it is still visible at low tide.

Last regular steam train service operates on the Kyle Line – now replaced by diesel engines.

Government-commissioned Beeching Report, ‘Reshaping Britain’s Railways’, recommends that the Kyle of Lochalsh line is closed. The line remains open, however.

First Sunday ferry between Kyle and Kyleakin.

The Kyle Line is again marked for closure. A major ‘Save the Kyle Railway Line’ campaign begins.

Ferry service between Kyle and Stornoway ends as the Outer Isles ferry is transferred to Ullapool.

Mail boat between Kyle and Portree is withdrawn.

The Kyle Line features as one of the ‘Great Railway Journeys of the World’ in Michael Palin’s popular BBC TV series.

Goods services by rail in and out of Kyle cease. In the same year, the Kyle Line starts passenger services on a Sunday.

Friends of the Kyle Line formed by volunteers seeking to campaign against line closure and protect its future.

Skye Bridge opens on 16 October, replacing the ferry. Built under a private finance initiative, its toll charges are the highest per metre in Europe.

The Kyle Line celebrates its centenary in November with a Black Five steam train to Kyle.

Skye Bridge tolls are abolished after the Scottish Executive acquires the bridge at a cost of £27m.

Friends of the Kyle Line acquire the lease on Kyle Signal Box, which has been severely damaged by fire, and embark on major refurbishment.

The refurbished Kyle Signal Box opens as holiday accommodation. All profits support Kyle Station Museum.