Flying Scotsman fans warned of safety crackdown during Scottish visit

ACTION will be taken against trespassers on rail lines during this weekend's visit of the Flying Scotsman locomotive to Scotland and access to station platforms will be restricted because of safety fears.

Picture: Robert Yelland

The warning to steam fans from British Transport Police comes three months after it was criticised for failing to prosecute trespassers who caused major disruption to other trains on a previous Flying Scotsman run in England.

The locomotive’s first visit north of the Border for 16 years will see it arrive in Edinburgh on Saturday evening before excursions on the Borders Railway and over the Forth Bridge to Fife on Sunday.

The 93-year-old engine will also go on show at Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway on Monday. The number of spectators on platforms will be limited at Waverley Station in Edinburgh on Saturday, and access will be controlled at Tweedbank Station at the end of the Borders line on Sunday.

Only passengers travelling on other trains will be allowed into Dalmeny and North Queensferry stations - where photographers are likely to gather at either end of the Forth Bridge. Footbridges will be kept clear.

Crowds at other stations will be monitored, including to ensure passengers are not hampered from getting on and off other trains.

Drone operators have been warned they must not be flown within 50 metres of railway lines or bridges, or directly above tracks.

Inspector Ricky McCartney said: “It is extremely dangerous and an offence to trespass on the railway. We will take action against those caught trespassing, and you could end up with a criminal record and facing a fine of up to £1,000.”

Nigel Harris, managing editor of RAIL magazine, said: “I salute and support Inspector McCartney, whose tough message is terrific to hear.

“Trespassing on the railway costs lives, money and wastes resources, and has to be clamped down on.”

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