Iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct which features in Harry Potter films to light up blue for NHS heroes

An iconic Highland railway viaduct which features in the Harry Potter films will light up blue tonight in support of our NHS heroes in the fight against COVID-19.

The Glenfinnan viaduct will join landmarks across the UK in turning blue to show public support for NHS staff treating coronavirus patients.

The 21-arch viaduct will join famous venues and attractions like Glasgow’s SSE Hydro and Falkirk's Kelpies in lighting up in the colours of the NHS to salute the efforts of healthcare workers in the fight against the virus.

The illumination of the structure was organised by Martin Whyte of events company The Stage Group and echoes wider similar activities undertaken by the entertainment industry in this unprecedented state of enforced inaction.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct will light up blue tonight as a show of appreciation to the NHS. Pic: Network Rail

Martin Whyte of the Stage Group said: “We feel a huge sense of responsibility for the mental well being of many people within our industry, who have lost their jobs and have nothing to do. Lighting the Viaduct gives us something practical to focus on and utilises our skills for something that will be appreciated by all of our key workers.

“Glenfinnan viaduct is iconic for the village, for Scotland and across the world and it has long been my ambition to light it up. What better time than now to make this happen as a gesture of solidarity with the front-line NHS staff who are risking their own health to help others during this pandemic.”

Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail said: “We are delighted to be working with the Stage Group to illuminate Glenfinnan Viaduct as a gesture of support for the vital and fantastic work that the NHS is doing to help tackle the coronavirus.

“We are grateful to those in the NHS and all of the key workers across the country who are playing, and will continue to play, a massive role in supporting us all as the country continues to respond to this pandemic.”

The illumination of Glenfinnan viaduct comes as people throughout the country once again join in a mass round of applause at 8pm on Thursday to thank NHS staff for their work.

The lighting of Glenfinnan viaduct has been undertaken following the clear social distancing messaging from the Chief Medical Officer and has not involved any unnecessary travel.