The Jacobite steam train, which is operated by West Coast Railway Company, will run seven days a week next summer. The train operates between Fort William and Mallaig and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films.
The steam trains had only operated during the week in previous years, but demand is so great that the trains will run at weekends from Easter until the end of October. For much of the season, there will be two trains a day, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon.
A spokesman said: “Unfortunately because of Covid-19 we could not operate for much of this year’s summer but we are hoping that things will be getting back to normal by Good Friday, April 2, when our first train of 2021 is scheduled to run. For the time being, though, we intend to carry on taking comprehensive anti-Covid measures, both on the train and at the stations.”
“The safety of our passengers, staff and local residents remains paramount at all times, and we will do nothing to endanger any of them. That means, among other things, we will continue with social distance both at stations and on the train, face masks must be worn while boarding, tickets will be issued electronically, and there will be a comprehensive and thorough cleaning regime.”