by Lucy Ashton
The Jacobite steam train, famed globally as the “Hogwarts Express,” is currently facing an uncertain 2026 season.
Local enthusiasts and families often gather at Helensburgh Upper Station to catch a glimpse of the locomotive heading north for the summer, local folks report they have been unable to book seats for the iconic Fort William to Mallaig service.
The 84-mile journey, famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, remains at a standstill due to a long-running safety dispute with Britain’s railway regulator over central door locking on heritage carriages.
West Coast Railways (WCR) warns the service, which carries 70,000 passengers annually, is vital to the region, contributing £20m-£30m to the local economy.
In recent days, the WCR website offers a glimmer of hope stating: “Bookings for the Jacobite 2026 season will open in the coming weeks.”
