Latest news with #HogwartsExpress-style
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Daily Record
Remote railway line in the Highlands named among world's most scenic
One of the stations on the stunning route is among the least-used in the UK while another is located in a 'sub-tropical' gem. A little-used railway line in the Scottish Highlands has been recognised as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Despite its scenic views, one of its stations is among the quietest in Britain. The Kyle Line, which runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, has been ranked the fourth most scenic rail route globally, according to new analysis by JRPASS. The JRPASS list placed it just behind Switzerland's Bernina and Glacier Express routes and Norway's famed Flåm Railway. While global travellers rave about the Swiss Alps' 'Hogwarts Express-style' trains, the Highland route remains something of a hidden gem, The Mirror reports. One of the stations on the line, Stromeferry, was among five on the Kyle Line to feature in Trainline's top 50 least-used UK stations. Between 2019 and 2020, just 1,508 journeys were recorded at Stromeferry, averaging fewer than five passengers per day. Despite its low footfall, the area surrounding Stromeferry offers a wealth of natural and historic charm. Stationmaster's Lodge, located just metres from the station and perched on the shores of Loch Carron, provides a rare and peaceful escape. From the front room, guests can hear the train approaching. Just a short stroll through Strome Wood leads to the remains of Strome Castle, a 15th-century fortress overlooking the water. Continuing along the shoreline brings visitors to the picture-postcard village of Plockton, a coastal gem more commonly associated with palm trees than Highland weather. Often dubbed the 'prettiest village in the Highlands,' Plockton boasts a surreal sight: a row of cabbage palm trees lining its main street. These exotic additions, planted in the 1960s, thrive thanks to the warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift and the village's sheltered bay. In his book Beyond the Great Glen, James Nicholson describes Plockton's 'sub-tropical appearance', while travel writer Barry Shelby called it 'arguably the prettiest village in the Highlands'. Over the years, Plockton has caught the eye of TV and film location scouts, featuring in productions like Hamish Macbeth and The Wicker Man . The town's blend of natural beauty, tidy planned layout, and peaceful surroundings continues to attract visitors looking for a more tranquil escape. The 12-minute train ride from Stromeferry to Plockton offers a snapshot of what makes the Kyle Line so remarkable. As VisitScotland puts it: 'The Kyle Line leads through charming Highland villages such as Achnasheen and Plockton before arriving in Kyle of Lochalsh. Completed in 1897, the line was the most expensive rail project of its day: the last 10 miles between Stromeferry and Kyle needed 31 cuttings and 29 tunnels and had to be blasted out of solid rock.' 'The result is a gem of a railway passing over deserted beaches and through fishing villages and offering views of mountains and herons and possibly the odd eagle or otter.' Tourism has now taken over as Plockton's main industry, following a boom during the oil rig construction era of the 1970s and 80s at the nearby Kishorn Yard, which brought thousands of workers and a wave of investment to the region. For visitors today, the Plockton Inn offers rooms from £251 per night, while the nearby Lochalsh Hotel has rates from £225. An off-peak day return from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh costs £45 for adults. Up to four children can travel for just £1 each. The full journey from Inverness to Kyle takes just under three hours, with Plockton served slightly earlier on the route, and every mile offering a window into one of the UK's most spectacular landscapes.
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Scotsman
'Harry Potter' Jacobite train operator slammed for substitute 'Primark' carriages
Former British Rail blue and grey coaches deployed amid ongoing safety Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Passengers travelling on the Hogwarts Express-style Jacobite train in the Highlands have been angered after its normal red carriages were replaced with blue ex-British Rail Inter-City coaches. The Friends of the West Highland Lines (FoWHL) said it was 'like seeing a Marks & Spencer store from the pavement and going in and finding it's Primark'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Jacobite service hauled by a diesel locomotive passing Glenfinnan Station on May 14 | Contributed The substitute carriages have been drafted in by operator West Coast Railways as part of an ongoing dispute with rail safety regulators who have insisted the train must have centrally-locking doors. The move has added to the frustration of Harry Potter fans booking tickets for the service between Fort William and Mallaig because its steam locomotive has been temporarily replaced with a diesel engine due to the high wildfire risk. One passenger posted on Tripadvisor: 'Awful coaches, not the Harry Potter coaches we were expecting, modern blue and grey coaches.' The Jacobite passing Lochailort en route to Mallaig in 2022. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA) | Jane Barlow/PA Another, Alan G, said: 'Complete waste of time! We are sitting on what can only be described as a old 70s/80s inter city carriage, not even a classic.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marie, visiting Anjou in France, posted: 'Very disappointing. We planned an immersive experience and ended up on a cigarette-smelling train from the 70s. Nothing or almost nothing to do with the Harry Potter movie except a few goodies sold.' West Coast Railways has applied for a further exemption from the long-established central door locking requirement for its original Jacobite carriages, which are known as 'Mark 1s', despite losing a High Court case against the Office of Rail and Road regulator (ORR) in 2023. Doug Carmichael of the FoWHL, said: 'Although the coaches have all the requirements expected by the ORR, West Coast Railways should have considered fitting new door locking to their existing fleet to satisfy the expectations of their customers, a majority of whom are ardent Harry Potter fans and expect the train to look similar to that shown in the movies. 'A coach the 'wrong' colour is a bit like seeing a Marks & Spencer store from the pavement and going in and finding it's Primark.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A passenger said the blue carriages were "not the Harry Potter coaches we were expecting" | Contributed The carriages have been used on the Jacobite's afternoon service but from Monday they will be used on the morning service. In a statement on its website, West Coast Railways said: 'Due to the extreme weather conditions we have experienced from the start of our season, we are having to carry out additional and essential maintenance on our carriages. 'Starting on May 19 and lasting for a few weeks, the normal carriages used on the morning service are to be replaced with our ex-British Rail Inter-City rolling stock in their traditional colours of blue and grey. 'The use of these carriages on the Jacobite service is a rare opportunity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Although the exterior differs from the usual carriages, the interior is still of the same standard so we are confident that you will have an enjoyable trip. 'All booked passengers will be notified where it affects them.' Commercial manager James Shuttleworth added: 'They're being used as they are already fitted with central door locking until such time as we gain an exemption for the Mark 1 vehicles. Dialogue is on-going with the ORR. 'As far as the blue and grey is concerned, we're not disguising the fact.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Shuttleworth explained that the carriages were being switched between the two daily services because the steel 'tyres' on their wheels were having to be changed more often than usual. He said: 'There is a plan to rotate/swap the vehicles so the tyres can be turned on our lathe, due to wear, which also happens more frequently in dry weather.' The extra maintenance needed follows similar conditions in 2018 when the Jacobite carriages' tyres had to be changed four times rather than twice as normal. That led to the cancellation of Christmas trips because of insufficient time to complete the work after the end of the summer season in October. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
29-05-2025
- Scotsman
'Hogwarts Express' Jacobite train operator accused of poor customer service in 'shoddy carriages'
West Coast Railways criticised for reducing stewards as 'recipe for disaster' Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The operator of the Hogwarts Express-style Jacobite steam train has been accused of providing a poor service to passengers in 'shoddy' carriages. The claim from an industry source with knowledge of the operation comes weeks after The Scotsman revealed the classic maroon carriages associated with the Harry Potter films had been substituted with more modern former British Rail blue Inter-City coaches. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Jacobite train near Fort William on Sunday May 25 after the wildfire risk had receded | Kieran Macdonald Concern has been expressed that operator West Coast Railways (WCR) has reduced the number of stewards on the twice-daily Fort William to Mallaig services, whose job includes preventing passengers leaning out of windows to take photos. But WCR said the Jacobite was run in a 'safe, professional manner' and the safety and comfort of passengers was its priority. It has also been able to use a steam locomotive to haul services for the first time in weeks after the wildfire threat receded. Passengers had complained at being unaware the Jacobite had been run with a diesel engine. The industry source said the company was "charging an extortionate amount and providing no customer service, shoddy carriages, terrible refreshments". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Jacobite train being hauled by a diesel locomotive on Saturday May 24 | Kieran Macdonald Passengers have also complained on the Tripadvisor reviews website of high temperatures and the lack of air conditioning on the substitute carriages, which WCR said were temporary replacements pending wheel repairs. The source said: "WCR originally had five stewards on each [five-carriage] service to keep passenger safety a priority as passengers aren't allowed to lean out or take photos by opening the windows, which has happened many times. 'Now, they have two stewards at each end of the train, in charge of two carriages [each] with the train manager acting as a third steward in the middle. In the afternoon, they have three stewards. 'A catering trolley plus a 'Harry Potter' trolley service operates, so stewards monitoring passengers is very restricted, which is a recipe for disaster.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Jacobite service with Inter-City carriages hauled by a diesel locomotive during the wildfire risk steam engine ban on May 14 | Contributed WCR commercial manager James Shuttleworth said: 'The safety and comfort of Jacobite passengers is the priority of our leadership, management and employees. 'The services are conducted in a safe, professional manner that allows our customers to make treasured memories, and enjoy the best of the Scottish Highlands. 'The quality of our service and the esteem it is held in are a credit to our employees whose professionalism and enthusiasm are highly valued. Prior to working on the Jacobite service, all staff receive training and are briefed to ensure customers are monitored and kept safe whilst providing an excellent service. 'There is also a continued review and briefing process carried out by train managers to ensure the safety of our services is maintained throughout the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We were saddened to see the comments made about our services. However, WCR is proud of our Jacobite service and the integral part we play in the tourism and hospitality sector.' The Jacobite with its traditional maroon carriages on the Glenfinnan viaduct | Contributed The substitute carriages were drafted in as part of an ongoing dispute with rail safety regulators who insist they must have centrally-locking doors. Mr Shuttleworth said it was seeking to resolve the dispute with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Scotsman
18-05-2025
- Scotsman
'Harry Potter' Jacobite train operator slammed for substitute 'Primark' carriages
Former British Rail blue and grey coaches deployed amid ongoing safety Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Passengers travelling on the Hogwarts Express-style Jacobite train in the Highlands have been angered after its normal red carriages were replaced with blue ex-British Rail Inter-City coaches. The Friends of the West Highland Lines (FoWHL) said it was 'like seeing a Marks & Spencer store from the pavement and going in and finding it's Primark'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Jacobite service hauled by a diesel locomotive passing Glenfinnan Station on May 14 | Contributed The substitute carriages have been drafted in by operator West Coast Railways as part of an ongoing dispute with rail safety regulators who have insisted the train must have centrally-locking doors. The move has added to the frustration of Harry Potter fans booking tickets for the service between Fort William and Mallaig because its steam locomotive has been temporarily replaced with a diesel engine due to the high wildfire risk. One passenger posted on Tripadvisor: 'Awful coaches, not the Harry Potter coaches we were expecting, modern blue and grey coaches.' The Jacobite passing Lochailort en route to Mallaig in 2022. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA) | Jane Barlow/PA Another, Alan G, said: 'Complete waste of time! We are sitting on what can only be described as a old 70s/80s inter city carriage, not even a classic.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marie, visiting Anjou in France, posted: 'Very disappointing. We planned an immersive experience and ended up on a cigarette-smelling train from the 70s. Nothing or almost nothing to do with the Harry Potter movie except a few goodies sold.' West Coast Railways has applied for a further exemption from the long-established central door locking requirement for its original Jacobite carriages, which are known as 'Mark 1s', despite losing a High Court case against the Office of Rail and Road regulator (ORR) in 2023. Doug Carmichael of the FoWHL, said: 'Although the coaches have all the requirements expected by the ORR, West Coast Railways should have considered fitting new door locking to their existing fleet to satisfy the expectations of their customers, a majority of whom are ardent Harry Potter fans and expect the train to look similar to that shown in the movies. 'A coach the 'wrong' colour is a bit like seeing a Marks & Spencer store from the pavement and going in and finding it's Primark.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A passenger said the blue carriages were "not the Harry Potter coaches we were expecting" | Contributed The carriages have been used on the Jacobite's afternoon service but from Monday they will be used on the morning service. In a statement on its website, West Coast Railways said: 'Due to the extreme weather conditions we have experienced from the start of our season, we are having to carry out additional and essential maintenance on our carriages. 'Starting on May 19 and lasting for a few weeks, the normal carriages used on the morning service are to be replaced with our ex-British Rail Inter-City rolling stock in their traditional colours of blue and grey. 'The use of these carriages on the Jacobite service is a rare opportunity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Although the exterior differs from the usual carriages, the interior is still of the same standard so we are confident that you will have an enjoyable trip. 'All booked passengers will be notified where it affects them.' Commercial manager James Shuttleworth added: 'They're being used as they are already fitted with central door locking until such time as we gain an exemption for the Mark 1 vehicles. Dialogue is on-going with the ORR.
