THE seasonal debut of the iconic Jacobite steam train was cancelled due to fire risk, following the outbreak of wildfires across Scotland.
Aerial pictures have shown a 1950s diesel locomotive pull the Jacobite carriages in place of the Jacobite due to it being unable to run because of the high risk of wildfires. Pictures also show tourists sitting on the hill above the landmark, watching the train go by.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) previously warned there was a “very high” to “extreme” risk of wildfire across Scotland from Wednesday April 2 until Monday April 7 as the country enjoyed dry and sunny weather.
Together with the Scottish Wildfire Forum, it urged people to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all areas of Scotland.
The Jacobite runs a scenic 84 mile seasonal return service from Fort William to Mallaig through the west of Scotland, between April and October.
Also nicknamed "The Hogwarts Express" by Harry Potter fans, the route takes in notable landmarks such as the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the film series, as well as Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
James Shuttleworth, West Coast Railway's commercial director, said: “This is our standard mitigation in the event of risks such as wildfire risk. We will reintroduce the steam engine when the weather is more appropriate for us to do so.
“The steam locomotives have fairly comprehensive spark arresters and grills to stop them coming up. But all it takes is one misplaced spark and you have a problem. It’s just a shame that this is the case today, but the situation doesn’t affect the views.”
ScotRail have also paused all trains running over the viaduct, because of safety inspections being carried out between Ardlui and Arrochar & Tarbet. Disruptions are expected to continue until around 4pm today (April 7).
Elsewhere, in the Highlands, firefighters are tackling a wildfire at Stac Pollaidh, Inverpolly Forest, north of Ullapool, which broke out on Sunday morning.
Five appliances were at the scene on Monday morning and people have been advised to stay away from the area.
Meanwhile, firefighters remain at the scene of a wildfire which has been burning since Thursday, although progress has been made in bringing it under control.
The blaze began in the Glen Trool area of the Galloway Forest Park, but has since travelled up to Loch Doon in East Ayrshire.
Anyone camping in the area was advised by police to leave as emergency services tackled the blaze and some campers were rescued by helicopter.
Helicopters were deployed to “water-bomb” the fire over the weekend and a fire engine remained at the scene overnight on Sunday, while another was on its way to the scene at 6.30am on Monday.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met on Sunday evening to discuss the response to the fire in the Galloway area.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said the situation is under control.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported on Thursday,” she said.
“Thanks to their efforts, significant progress has been made and the situation is currently under control.
“I am reassured to hear that so far there has been no damage to properties or mature woodland.”
