Excited tourists from all over the globe were preparing for “the trip of a lifetime” yesterday when The Jacobite train pulled out of its buffers in Fort William for its 26th year.
However, British Transport Police issued a stark warning to stay off the track, after eager tourists on the hillside who were spotted jumping off the train lines, after taking a quick snap, as it pulled over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The viaduct is famous for its place in Harry Potter films, as pupils make their way by train to Hogwarts School for Wizards.
Passengers were slightly disappointed yesterday, that the steam engine was unable to be used on the first trip due to unusually dry conditions in the West Highlands, and instead the 5407 diesel engine was powering the train.
Steam or no steam, some tourists were very pleased to have grabbed a seat on the first train of the 2019 season.
All dressed up as Harry Potter for the first trip of the year was Lizeth Guerrera who had come from Mexico to enjoy the ride, she was joined on the trip by her nephew Alex, who was also in costume for the 42-mile trip to Mallaig.
She said: “The train is famous in Mexico and we love Harry Potter, for a ride on the train as an Easter treat.
“We are both very excited.”
James Shuttleworth, of West Coast Railway, who run The Jacobite Famous Steam Train said: “It is very, very busy.
“It is amazing the attraction the Jacobite gets from all over the world, with people coming to take a trip on the train.”
He continued: “Because people come from all over the world, they don’t always know the rules about not stepping on the railway line.
“The people on the line, have of course, nothing to do with the passengers on the train, but we are still very clear keep on the platform only.”
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A spokesman for Scotrail confirmed that the service between Glasgow and Mallaig was delayed by people “trespassing on the line”. The matter was reported to British Transport Police.
British Transport Police issued a stark warning, it said: “It is not only dangerous, it is an offence to walk on any part of the track, attracting a fine of up to £1,000.
“There have been instances of people straying on to the track at Glenfinnan risking the safety of passengers, and a fine.”
