Viaduct tribute to NHS staff

Blue lights illuminate famous Glenfinnan bridge as nation battles virus

Glenfinnan’s famous viaduct, which featured in the Harry Potter movies, was one of many UK landmarks illuminated by blue floodlights last Thursday (April 2) at 8pm in a tribute to NHS staff dealing with the coronavirus pandemicm writes Mark Entwistle.

The 21-arch structure joined other venues and attractions including the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow and the Kelpies in Falkirk in lighting up in the blue colours of the NHS.

The illumination of the viaduct, which featured in movie scenes with the Hogwarts Express steam train, was organised by Martin Whyte of events company The Stage Group.

Mr Whyte said: ‘We feel a huge sense of responsibility for the mental well-being of many people within our industry who have lost their jobs and have nothing to do.

‘Lighting the viaduct gives us something practical to focus on and uses our skills for something that will be appreciated by key workers. Glenfinnan Viaduct is iconic for the village, for Scotland and across the world and it has long been my ambition to light it up. What better time than now to make this happen as a gesture of solidarity with the front line NHS staff who are risking their own health to help others during this pandemic.’

Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail, added: ‘We are delighted to be working with The Stage Group to illuminate Glenfinnan Viaduct as a gesture of support for the vital and fantastic work the NHS is doing to help tackle coronavirus.

‘We are grateful to those in the NHS and all of the key workers across the country who are playing, and will continue to play, a massive role in supporting us all as the country continues to respond to this pandemic.’

The illumination came as people throughout the country once again joined in a mass round of applause at 8pm to thank NHS staff for their work.

The lighting of Glenfinnan Viaduct was undertaken following clear social distancing guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer and did not involve any unnecessary travel.

Photograph: Pat Grieve. Some of the viaduct’s arches lit up in the colours of the NHS on Thursday April 2.

Photograph: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Right: The cover of the first Harry Potter novel showing the Hogwart’s Express. The huge worldwide success of the Harry Potter books and movies has helped boost the massive surge in visitors to Glenfinnan.