Due to a dispute over safety regulations, operations on the “Harry Potter Train” in Scotland have been suspended until further notice. Until a decision is made as to whether the historic steam train will be allowed to continue running without central locking in the future, the connection between Mallaig on the Scottish west coast and Fort William at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, will be canceled. The operator West Coast Railways (WCR) announced this on Wednesday. The company warned of revenue losses of up to 50 million pounds (58.5 million euros) and lasting damage to tourism.
The train, also called the “real Hogwarts Express”, crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the scenic route through the Highlands – a scene also known from the “Harry Potter” films. The spot is popular with tourists trying to get a photo.
The connection was operated with an exception for more than 30 years. The regulatory authority Office of Rail and Road (ORR) must now decide on an extension. The railway company warns that its business will be destroyed if millions in retrofitting are necessary.
