The Jacobite Steam Train: Scotrail slams trainspotters ignoring social distancing on platform

Crowds gathered to catch a picture of the famous train passing through Helensburgh train station.

The Jacobite Steam Train, made famous as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies, drew crowds at Helensburgh train station, leading to condemnation from transport company Scotrail.

Pictures show eager trainspotters crammed into a small platform waiting for the iconic train to pass by, with some even trespassing close to the side of the tracks.

The photos were posted across social media with an angry comment: “Just look at this. Helensburgh upper yesterday!!!

“Not only is there no social distancing, there’s even people trespassing!!!”

Scotrail responded to the tweet: “It beggars belief.

“Utterly reckless behaviour which also delayed trains last night.”

The Jacobite train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Picture: West Coast Railways.

The Jacobite is an independently operated luxury steam train that operates tours of Scotland, and often draws large crowds to see it pass by.

It passed through stations between Helensburgh and Westerton on its way back to the depot on Monday evening.

Scotrail posted a warning before it’s journey that said: “If you're at a station between Helensburgh and Westerton, you must stand well back from the platform edge.

“Don't risk your life to get a photo of the Jacobite, it'll be back next year.”

Current coronavirus guidelines state that people should be wearing masks while in stations and on public transport.

The public are also required to social distance while outside, staying 2 metres apart from those who stay in a different household.

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