It may well be, in the words of the song "Six Miles from Bangor to Donaghadee" but songs could yet be written about the shorter journey from Bushmills to the Giant's Causeway, for the new steam train which is expected to open during this summer's tourist season. It has been a long time since the hydro-electric tram from Portrush to the Causeway went out of operation shortly after the 1939-45 war. Nine miles in all it was, rattling past the White Rocks of Portrush, the ruins of Dunluce Castle, running past the edge of chasms, so close that one traveller swore he was looking into the eye of a sea-bird nesting just a yard or two below the tramline. Easily done if you travelled in those coaches which were open at the sides to the elements toast-rack style.
That's for the past, but working very much for the now is a brave man to whom more than the people of North Antrim owe much - David Laing. For he is the mind and force behind the current work on the new rail line from Bushmills to the Causeway, using not electric steam, but the engine and carriages that used to run at Shane's Castle until 1994. Laing and his work-force have had to lay new track, to remove the old bridge over the Bush River and instal a new one, and the work is going on full steam ahead. They will have twelve carriages and it will be a proud boast to be able to say that you were on the first trip of what is surely going to be, if a journey of considerably less than that of the old tram, at least an elegant approach to one of this island's great areas of scenic beauty. It's not just the Causeway itself, but the lovely approach over the Bush River, through the dunes, with on your left, open seas and a magical tonic in the air that would raise - well, even the sceptical. For on your left is Runkerry Strand and a view towards Inishowen and the Atlantic.
The whole is an area where, as one writer put it, he would not question the bishop who claimed that he had seen great angels here: Portbraddan, Whitepark Bay: it's all angel territory. David Laing has much achievement behind him. According to one report Laing, who describes himself as an impresario, including a term as director of the Belfast festival in the dicey years of 1971-73, remains buoyant. His achievement will be worthy of this heroic and priceless part of our country. Y