Steaming back into service, but residents fear return of Harry Potter express

TRAVELLING through a stunning Highland backdrop, it’s a sight made famous by the Harry Potter films.

Visitors from across the world have been inspired to take a trip aboard a steam train on the line that crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct.

But with the excursions due to restart on July 15 after a lockdown lull, locals have told of their fears over Covid-19, amid a renewed influx of tourists to the area.

The Jacobite service runs from Fort William, Inverness-shire, to Mallaig on the West Coast, where passengers can enjoy a break before making the return trip.

But residents have expressed concerns over social distancing, with maybe 300 people a day being attracted to the area. Councillor

Denis Rixson, who lives in Mallaig, said: ‘You will be able to alight in Arisaig if you ask the guard and when you get to Mallaig you have an hour and a half to walk around.

‘What if it’s bucketing down? Social distancing for this number on those small platforms is a logistical challenge in itself.’

Jacobite operator West Coast Railways said it was working with Transport Scotland to put safety measures in place. A spokesman said: ‘The safety of passengers, train crew and local people remains paramount.

‘That applies not only on the train but also at Fort William and Mallaig stations where people will get on and off the Jacobite. The safety measures are not finalised but we are confident they will minimise any risk without impinging on people’s enjoyment of what is regarded as one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.

‘Passengers will, of course, all have to wear masks and anybody refusing will not be allowed to travel.

‘We are also reducing the number of tickets being made available.

‘Normally around 700 people a day would travel. But because of social distancing we expect to limit that to between 200 and 300 on the first day.’

‘Social distancing is a challenge’