Mr James H. Young was stationmaster at Largo for nine years until January 1929. During that time the station won many awards. For example, in 1923 a special prize of £10 was awarded by L.N.E.R. for 'best kept station' from a field of over 300 competitors. The Courier of 5 January 1929 reported on the leaving presentation, saying that Mr Young (who was departing to take up a post in Tillicoultry) was:
"...met in the general waiting-room at Largo Station last night, and presented with a silver-mounted walking-stick, with inscription, from the station staff, and a well-filled wallet of Treasury notes from traders and friends....Mrs Young was presented with a dinner and tea service."
There had previously been an article in the Courier announcing Mr Young's new post. This article from 7 November 1928 had spoken of his 36 years service with the railways, beginning at Tynehead, on the Waverley route, and including a variety of posts across Scotland. The piece continued...
"He takes a keen interest in beautifying his station, and during his nine years at Largo has been instrumental in gaining four first class certificates and two specials for best kept station, his model of the Flying Scotsman, made of cement and shells, being a great attraction. He has also associated himself with all organisations in the district pertaining to the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Parish Council, an elder of the Parish Church, member of the Men's Social Club Executive, Member of the Literary Society and treasurer of the Harbour Committee. During his residence in Largo he has gained the confidence and esteem of both shopkeepers and travelling public, who wish him success and prosperity in his new sphere."
Mr Young and his wife eventually returned to the Largo area, where his son also lived, in his retirement and he died on 28 October 1941 at Rossini Place, Lundin Links, aged 68. As well as the shell-covered model of the Flying Scotsman, the genial Mr Young had made a similarly decorated statue and sun-dial. These were reportedly much photographed over the years. If you have a photo of any of these features, or the station during that era, please get in touch.
"...met in the general waiting-room at Largo Station last night, and presented with a silver-mounted walking-stick, with inscription, from the station staff, and a well-filled wallet of Treasury notes from traders and friends....Mrs Young was presented with a dinner and tea service."
There had previously been an article in the Courier announcing Mr Young's new post. This article from 7 November 1928 had spoken of his 36 years service with the railways, beginning at Tynehead, on the Waverley route, and including a variety of posts across Scotland. The piece continued...
"He takes a keen interest in beautifying his station, and during his nine years at Largo has been instrumental in gaining four first class certificates and two specials for best kept station, his model of the Flying Scotsman, made of cement and shells, being a great attraction. He has also associated himself with all organisations in the district pertaining to the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Parish Council, an elder of the Parish Church, member of the Men's Social Club Executive, Member of the Literary Society and treasurer of the Harbour Committee. During his residence in Largo he has gained the confidence and esteem of both shopkeepers and travelling public, who wish him success and prosperity in his new sphere."
Mr Young and his wife eventually returned to the Largo area, where his son also lived, in his retirement and he died on 28 October 1941 at Rossini Place, Lundin Links, aged 68. As well as the shell-covered model of the Flying Scotsman, the genial Mr Young had made a similarly decorated statue and sun-dial. These were reportedly much photographed over the years. If you have a photo of any of these features, or the station during that era, please get in touch.
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