A steam train service made famous by Harry Potter will return to service next week after being suspended pending a safety decision.
The Jacobite railway service through the Highlands was stopped last month whilst awaiting a decision from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on whether it can continue to operate carriages with hinged doors.
Operator West Coast Railways (WCR) warned the suspension could cost up to £50 million in lost value.
The Jacobite train featured in the 2002 film Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets and is sometimes known as the Hogwarts Express in honor of J.K. Rowling franchise.
The service has operated for more than 30 years under an exemption that allows carriages with hinged doors to run on main lines, which is normally not permitted.
Photo: PA
WCR has requested a renewal of the exemption and has made a request for temporary permission to operate while ORR makes its decision.
In an update on Friday, WCR confirmed that it continues to collaborate with ORR and the Department of Transportation as it seeks temporary exemption to be able to operate all of its historic railcars.
However, a fleet of carriages that comply with safety rules has now been prepared to allow the service to resume on Monday – although it will operate with “reduced capacity”, which could affect passengers who previously booked.
A statement read: “We are delighted to announce that our world-famous Jacobite service is back in operation, from Monday 15th April.
“The team did an exceptional job preparing a fleet of carriages to begin our 2024 season…
“As our trains will be slightly shorter and have reduced capacity, this means that, unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all of the passengers who initially booked.”
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Affected customers will be contacted “in the coming days” with available options, including the opportunity to rebook their trip.
WCR previously lost a High Court challenge against ORR over the security of its carriage doors in December.
The company complained that the multi-million pound cost of having to refurbish central locking could “destroy” its business and argued that its door systems were equally secure.
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However, a judge dismissed the operator’s case and concluded that ORR had adopted a “justifiable” approach.
The service takes tourists from Fort William to Mallaig, including via the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
WCR added: “We look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”
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