‘Harry Potter’ Jacobite steam train ‘breaks down’ on first trip of season

Trains were cancelled between Fort William and Mallaig as a result but later resumed

The ‘Jacobite steam train broke down near Glenfinnan on its first day of making its return.

ScotRail tweeted this afternoon that “a broken down charter train near to Glenfinnan” had led to trains between Fort William and Mallaig being cancelled. Services resumed shortly after 6pm

It comes amid controversy around the Jacobite steam after its operator suspended services while seeking an exemption from safety directives which requires coaches to have central door locking.

One of the Jacobite's last 2023 season services crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct in October. (Photo by Charlotte Graham)

Operator West Coast Railways (WCR) lost a court battle with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) safety regulator over the issue in December, but in March applied for another exemption to be permitted to run trains with stewards guarding doors instead.

WCR then announced it would be using carriages which complied with a safety directive and begin services on 15 April.

At the time, WCR commercial manager James Shuttleworth said: “We are thrilled to have the Jacobite back up and running, and look forward to welcoming customers on board. The team has done an exceptional job in getting a fleet of carriages ready to kick-start our 2024 season.

“We continue to engage both the ORR and the [UK] Department for Transport with a request for the temporary exemption, so that we can operate our heritage carriages on the main line. Our customers have told us for many years that travelling in these carriages is a highlight of the Jacobite experience.

"The exemption will also enable us to run an extra first-class carriage and our famous Harry Potter carriage. For now, we are delighted that we can start to take visitors across the Scottish Highlands to visit Fort William, Mallaig and Glenfinnan.”

A spokeswoman for WCR told the P&J today: “West Coast Railways apologises to customers on our Jacobite service today. Earlier today, just outside of Glenfinnan, the Jacobite broke down due to extremely poor weather conditions.

“The team onboard did their best to restart the service, but the Jacobite had to be rescued by another diesel engine and we were not able to offer customers the experience we planned. We will be issuing them with compensation.

“We are pleased to confirm the Jacobite will run as normal tomorrow.”