Sir William McAlpine Bt. (Deceased)

Our Mission

Britain’s place in the history and development of transport is demonstrably second to none. It is an achievement of which the Trust, and the nation, are justifiably proud. This country's growth and prosperity has been inextricably linked with the movement of people and cargo. We take it as our mission to ensure the story of our heritage does not slip into oblivion.

Restore & Preserve

The National Transport Trust aims, for the benefit of the nation as a whole, to promote and encourage the permanent preservation of transport items of historical or technical interest.

Document & Record

The Trust promotes the preservation of documents, drawings, pictures, books and artifacts of significance. Where items or collections are at risk for want of a home, the Trust is happy to advise.

Sir William McAlpine Bt It was with great sadness that we reported the death of Transport Trust President Sir William McAlpine on March 4th 2018

It seemed no time at all since he had attended the unveiling of the Transport Trust's Red Wheel plaque on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, when all who saw him remarked that he was in very good form.

Bill was a very significant figure in the world of transport heritage, chairman or president of many organisations in addition to our own and interested in not only railways but steam boats and old cars too. He was probably best known as the man who saved the Flying Scotsman and brought about its return from the United States of America.
He was a wonderful supporter of the Transport Trust, giving generously of his time, particularly in support of our Red Wheel programme.
A full appreciation appeared in the Transport Digest Magazine; we sent our condolences to Lady Judy McAlpine - who has now taken over from Bill as our President.

Daily Telegraph Obituary 6th March 2018

Henley Herald Obituary 7th March 2018

Bill McAlpine unveils RHDR Red Wheel - photo Terry Blackman

Sir William's "business card" was unusual. On one side it showed a map of the UK with main line railway routes over a background image of Glenfinnan Viaduct - build by his grandfather "Concrete Bob" McAlpine - and featured in Harry Potter films.

Bill McAlpine's card