Friends of the Rail Forum

Sparks fly over steam train ‘fires’

By Catriona MacPhee
Published: 24/07/2012
The Press and Journal

One of Scotland’s most famous railway lines has been given a new nickname – the west toast railway line – thanks to the sparks that fly from the steam trains.

The line was made famous after featuring in the Harry Potter films as the route for the Hogwarts Express and has been voted the top rail journey in the world three times.

Thousands of visitors travel on the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig every year and enjoy picturesque scenes which featured in the blockbuster film, including the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Harry Potter Hogwarts express train sparks problems

Scotsman
Published on Wednesday 25 July 2012 01:17

Sparks from a steam train on one of Scotland’s most famous railway lines – which featured in the Harry Potter films – are being blamed for starting moorland fires.

Thousands of visitors travel on the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig, enjoying picturesque scenes which also feature in the blockbuster film franchise.

But Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service believe some of the fires it has been called to this summer were caused by the steam train, Jacobite. It has led to the famous route being given a new nickname – the West Toast Line. It passes through several estates, including Glenfinnan, Ardnish, Inverailort and Arnipol.

Many of the blazes have burnt out, but some have caused extensive damage near Morar and Lochailort.