Steam train season begins

Toddler enjoys dream day at footplate of locomotive

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LITTLE Robbie Hamilton achieved every boys’ dream yesterday when, at the tender age of just two, he got to mount the footplate of the Jacobite steam train.

Robbie went on board with his father, Andrew Hamilton, 36, from Bonnyrigg, near Edinburgh, for their first steam train ride during their holiday in Lochaber. Despite yesterday being the first day of a new season of steam excursions between Fort William to Mallaig, there was a large turnout of tourists and rail buffs, anxious to travel on the West Coast Railways locomotive and carriages.

The company is looking towards a bumper season given the national publicity it has received after being voted the top journey worldwide by 3,000 readers of the Wanderlust magazine, defeating competition from 400 other nominees.

In addition there is the Harry Potter factor, which has helped attract travellers, young and old, who are anxious to see the 42-mile route their hero used, particularly the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The railway company turned one of its locomotives and carriages into the Hogwarts Express for the filming of the blockbuster.

There is also the added attraction of viewing the £27million improvements recently completed on the A830 Road to the Isles which runs alongside through some of the west coast’s most spectacular scenery.

Steam train specials were first operated on the line by what was then British Rail 26 years ago, but their appeal has grown and tourism bosses say they now help attract up to 70,000 visitors a year.