Safety fears force famous Scottish steam train service off the tracks
Inspectors found rules on carriage doors were not being followed
Scotland's world-famous 'Jacobite' steam train that featured in several Harry Potter movies has had its services cancelled amid safety concerns.
Daily excursions on the run on the scenic West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig have been temporarily shut down by the Office of Road and Rail because of issues with the heritage 'slam door' carriages used by operator West Coast Railways.
A popular tourist attraction, The Jacobite's services were halted on Friday July 15 after safety inspectors found rules around use of the doors - which do not have automatically-controlled locks like modern trains - were not being followed.
The train operates under an exemption granted by the ORR.
ORR inspectors had examined the train when they discovered the issues with the hinged doors.
The Jacobite has subsequently been out of service while the operator works to resolve the problem.
It's not the first time the service which runs over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct has been forced into the sidings by safety officials.
Back in 2015 West Coast Railways was stopped from operating anywhere in the UK, but was allowed to resume in time for the 2016 season.
'Swift solution' promised
On West Coast Railways' website, a spokesperson said: "Due to operational reasons, we are unable to run our Jacobite service before 31st July 2023 as planned.
"During a visit by inspectors from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), a couple of issues of concern were identified in relation to the management of the hinged door rolling stock on the Jacobite Steam Train."
They said they are to "review the concerns raised by the ORR to reach a satisfactory and swift solution to the issues raised and are looking to bring the Jacobite Steam Train back into service as soon as possible".
They added: "Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any alternative dates to transfer your trip to, therefore our reservations team will process a full refund within the next 10 working days.
"Please accept our sincere apologies for these cancellations.
"All pre-booked passengers have been contacted via email and by text where a mobile number has been supplied."
Issues not resolved
An Office of Rail and Road spokesperson confirmed their inspection found "safety failings which ORR considered breached health and safety legislation" during a previous visit on Friday June 9.
They issued West Coast Railways with a prohibition notice which came into effect on June 15.
The Jacobite's services then recommenced the same day.
However, when ORR inspectors returned on Friday, they found the issues had not been resolved, but said the train operator could continue to run the Jacobite service on the provision that it uses different carriages.
The ORR spokesperson said: "This inspection found safety failings which ORR considered breached the earlier prohibition notice and the conditions contained in West Coast Railways' Railway Safety Regulation Exemption Certificate.
"This type of exemption certificate is required for all train operators who want to use carriages without central door locking fitted - ordinarily heritage carriages of the type used on the Jacobite service. Due to the safety issues identified, ORR has revoked West Coast Railways' exemption certificate.
"ORR is working with West Coast Railways to ensure robust safety arrangements are in place to allow West Coast Railways to use heritage carriages on the Jacobite line in the near future.
"In the interim, it is open to West Coast Railways to use alternative carriages to operate the Jacobite service."