Nestled along a quiet, leafy single-track road in Eastriggs, southern Scotland, lies a historic site once known as “the largest factory in the Empire.” Built during World War I to meet the urgent demand for munitions, HM Factory Gretna played a critical role in producing cordite—nicknamed “Devil’s Porridge”—an explosive propellant for artillery. At its peak, the factory employed 30,000 workers, including 12,000 women.
Today, this former military base, with direct connections to the West Coast Main Line, is experiencing a remarkable revival. Rail Sidings Limited, a dynamic SME with bold ambitions, has reactivated the site after 14 years of dormancy. With a strong commitment to supporting the local community, the company is creating jobs and career pathways for young people in the rail industry.
Rail Cluster Scotland, a project led by Scottish Engineering and funded by Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland, and Skills Development Scotland, quickly recognised the site’s potential. The collaboration with Managing Director Gary Draisey has proven instrumental in supporting Scotland’s rail sector, paving the way for transformative developments.
A Fast-Growing Hub for Rail Operations
In just eight months, this once-hidden gem has reached full capacity. The site now accommodates a vast array of wagons, passenger trains, and snowploughs, offering secure storage, repair, and maintenance services while employing seven local people on a mix of full-time and part-time contracts.
Yet, this is only the beginning of Rail Sidings’ ambitious vision. The site’s potential as a rail hub for Southern Scotland, the Borders and Northern England is undeniable. It serves as a crucial link between the central belt and Southern Scotland and Ireland, filling a longstanding logistical gap. By enabling more efficient transport routes, this site has the ability to reduce the carbon footprint for all these areas, significantly cutting mileage for products reaching their destinations.
Several local businesses—including quarries and logistics firms—have expressed keen interest in utilising the railhead to transport goods by rail rather than road. Expanding access to the site would allow Rail Sidings to further develop freight services, leveraging the strategic proximity to the A75. This move aligns with Scotland’s net-zero goals by reducing road congestion and emissions while offering the only rail service point between Manchester and Glasgow—a critical asset with far-reaching demand.
Investing in Skills and the Local Community
Beyond infrastructure, Rail Sidings is dedicated to nurturing future talent. Discussions are underway with secondary schools in Annan and Dumfries to provide work experience opportunities, offering students a firsthand glimpse into the rail sector. By bridging the gap between education and industry, this initiative aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in rail—helping address the sector’s well-documented skills shortage while fostering economic development in the region.
Further plans include establishing a dedicated training facility at Eastriggs, where students can gain practical, hands-on experience in a safe environment away from active rail networks.
The site is also embracing its rich heritage, forging close ties with the local Porridge Museum. Visitors can now embark on historic tours, participate in driver experiences, and, in September, welcome over 600 rail enthusiasts during a UK Railtours event featuring locally sourced food and festivities. Rail Sidings is committed to embedding this revived site into the fabric of the community, ensuring it plays a central role in local culture and economic growth.
Gary Draisey, Managing Director of Rail Sidings Ltd said: “Reviving this historic site is about more than rail operations. It’s about creating opportunities for people, strengthening local industry and supporting Scotland’s journey towards a more sustainable future. We’re proud to be bringing Eastriggs back to life and shaping a brighter future for the region.”
With collaboration at its heart, Rail Sidings at Eastriggs is off to a bright start—one that, with continued partnership, has the potential to transform Scotland’s rail industry and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.
About Rail Sidings Ltd
Rail Sidings Limited is a dynamic SME offering flexible rail storage and maintenance solutions from its prime location between Gretna and Dumfries in southern Scotland. The 18-acre site provides a secure and strategically positioned facility featuring a direct rail connection to the West Coast Main Line, a Network Rail reception siding, platforms, a locomotive shed with pit, office space and storage options.
With a strong commitment to sustainability and industry collaboration, Rail Sidings Ltd is looking to work with local businesses to streamline freight movement by rail. The company is also focused on skills development, working with local schools and colleges to create career pathways in rail operations.
