The Disasters that Shocked Scotland

S01E02 Polmont Rail & Shetland Chinook

Using archival footage, heartfelt accounts from those affected, and insights from journalists who reported on the incidents, this series explores the catastrophic events that have left a mark on Scotland. In this particular episode, we look back to 1984 and the tragic Polmont rail disaster. On July 30, just before 6 PM, a busy train en route from Edinburgh to Glasgow derailed near Polmont station. Two years later, a Chinook helicopter, transporting 47 oil workers and crew, met with disaster while heading back to Shetland.