In the mid-1840s, railway mania swept throughout the United Kingdom. At a meeting arranged by the supporters of an Inverness to Elgin railway on 19 February 1845, it was generally agreed that such a railway would be beneficial. Grant addressed the meeting stating that he had no objection but warned the people of Elgin that Lossiemouth harbour was important to Elgin and that they should be wary of companies who could interfere with the free trade that came through the port. These warnings were heeded and Grant succeeded in resurrecting the scheme as the "Morayshire Railway" at a meeting held on 3 March 1845. At a further meeting held on 11 April, it was also decided that the track would extend south to Craigellachie.