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Iconic Harry Potter steam train could return after fears it would be AXED forever…

A FAMOUS train loved by Harry Potter fans could return in time for the tourist season following a major safety update.

The world-famous Jacobite steam train[1] transports hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The major safety update could see the service return in time for the tourist season

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The major safety update could see the service return in time for the tourist seasonCredit: Getty

West Coast Railway (WCR), operators of the renowned Scots tourist attraction in the Highlands, are considering switching outdated carriages to coaches that are compliant with the new safety[2] laws.

Since 2003, steam trains[3] have been given two ten-year exemptions to use alternative locking systems on the carriage doors.

But the Office of Road and Rail revoked the exemption last year.

The rail firm challenged the decision in court[4] but it lost the legal fight.

transport[5] sightseers to Mallaig, Fort William, and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

It is frequently described as the “greatest journey in the world” and anyone lucky enough to get a seat on the train has to book months in advance.

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The Jacobite steam train shot to fame when it was used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter[6] films[7].

The Scotsman [8]reports that the firm could use a different set of carriages that have central door locking or add safety features[9] to the existing coaches.

A spokesperson said: “West Coast Railway is considering a range of options, including evaluating the feasibility, costs, and timescales for fitting central door locking, running passenger services with carriages already fitted with it, as well as systems for operating without it.

“These considerations are ongoing, and no concrete plan has been agreed yet.

“We will work hard to minimise disruption to customers and are confident we will be able to deliver the incredible experience of safe steam travel[10] without compromising the magic of running heritage locomotives on the mainline this year.”

Locomotive Services Limited Group chairman Jeremy Hosking, criticised the rail firm, adding: “By its deliberate and calculated non-compliance, WCR has created an unlevel playing field whereby a dissenting firm enjoys a consequential competitive advantage over more responsible operators.”

Doug Carmichael, chairman of Friends of The West Highland Lines, said: “We sincerely hope that WCR will be able to not only fit the required new door equipment to some of their coaches, but also be able to lease coaches which have a suitable locking system compatible with the steam engines which pull The Jacobite – the most popular steam-hauled service in the UK.

“With reportedly hundreds of advanced bookings already filling its trains for the upcoming season, the company will have to act quickly to keep the famous train running on the equally-renowned West Highland Line.”

References

  1. ^ world-famous Jacobite steam train (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  2. ^ safety (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  3. ^ trains (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  4. ^ court (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  5. ^ transport (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  6. ^ Harry Potter (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  7. ^ films (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  8. ^ The Scotsman  (www.scotsman.com)
  9. ^ features (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  10. ^ travel (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)

Reference Library / Road To Rail

Wild ‘danger to life’ weather warning as rain, wind and snow set to batter Scotland this week…

SCOTS face weather chaos when returning to work after the Christmas break – with rain, wind and snow to come THIS WEEK.

Wild weather[1] alerts for rain, wind and even snow are in place for the north and south of the country on Wednesday, meaning commuting could be impacted.

Roads could be flooded on the return to work on Wednesday

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Roads could be flooded on the return to work on Wednesday
Snow will affect some routes for a time on Wednesday

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Snow will affect some routes for a time on WednesdayCredit: Getty
Strong winds will hit parts of the country

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Strong winds will hit parts of the country

Multiple Met Office[2] warnings have been issued for many parts of the country, including a ‘danger to life’ alert for flooding and fast-slowing water.

The first yellow warning states that a band of heavy rain will move north eastwards across northern England and southern Scotland during Wednesday.

Across the warning area, an inch of rain is expected to accumulate quite widely.

Over higher ground of the Southern Uplands, two inches is likely during this period with as much as three and a half inches in a few locations.

Edinburgh[3], Lothian and Borders and southern parts of Strathclyde begins at 3am and ends at 6pm.

A separate warning for rain and snow has been issued from 6am until midnight, affecting Central Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Islands and western parts of Strathclyde.

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Here, spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

The Met Office say there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

There is a small chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

Some rural communities could become cut off and there is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.

Last night, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had one flood alert in place and one – more serious – flood warning.

Many festive travellers had their plans disrupted just before Christmas due to turbulent weather conditions.

Winds gusting above 50mph cancelled a slew of sailings on Christmas Eve between the islands and Scottish mainland.

They included Tarbert Loch Fyne to Lochranza, Oban to Castlebay on Barra and Mallaig to Armadale on Skye.

Many other services were been placed on warning for delay and cancellation.

At Glasgow Airport, an evening flight with KLM to Amsterdam was cancelled on Christmas Eve.

  • ^ weather (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  • ^ Met Office (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  • ^ Edinburgh (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)