The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
‘Hogwarts’ line to get more trains
Rail: West Highland service expanded
It provides one of Scotland’s most iconic rail journeys and now there will be many more chances to enjoy the delights of the West Highland Line.
The journey from Glasgow to Mallaig allows passengers to plunge through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and cross the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct.
But for many years a winter timetable has restricted opportunities to take to the picturesque route.
However, with visitors clamouring for additional journeys – thanks in part to Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express – and with Lochaber firmly established as a year-round tourism destination, the merits of an expanded service have been recognised by ScotRail.
The next winter service, which begins on Monday, will be the last as the West Highland Line shifts to an all-year-round Sunday timetable from March 2019.
Two return journeys will be conducted between Mallaig and Glasgow as part of the new timetable, as well as an additional return trip between Mallaig and Fort William. The existing winter timetable, which operates between November and March each year, provides just one return service between Mallaig and Glasgow each Sunday.
ScotRail head of business development Scott Prentice said: “We have been working closely with key stakeholders in the area to understand how ScotRail can better serve local business and communities.
“We are delighted that we will be able to provide a boost for people travelling on the West Highland Line with our new timetable.
“This is a first step in a series of improvements that will be achieved through the collaborative working of West Highland Line review group.”
The traditional summer and winter timetable variations were originally introduced to reflect seasonal demand. Over time that demand has changed and, with Scotland’s hugely important tourism industry working to capture visitors 12 months of the year, ScotRail believes the service must change.
Mr Prentice added: “Historically, the summer and winter timetables existed to meet the varying demand between the seasons.
“However, Lochaber has firmly established itself as an all-year-round destination and we are seeing more people travel by rail in what used to be the off-season. We will trial an improved Sunday service next year and, with the help of our partners in Lochaber, are confident that it will be well used by tourists and locals alike and become a permanent feature.
“It’s all part of our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”
Caol and Mallaig councillor Allan Henderson said: “It’s absolutely great news. It is what we have been asking for.”