Harry Potter fans gutted as ‘secret’ viewing spot for iconic movie location closed

A MAGICAL spot for Harry Potter fans in Fort William has suddenly closed due to safety concerns. The Puggy Line railway bridge, known for its picturesque views of the Jacobite steam train, has now been shunted out of bounds for Boy Wizard enthusiasts following a recent structural survey. AlamyThe Puggy Line railway bridge, known for its picturesque views of the Jacobite steam train, has been closed[/caption] AlamyThe train, which travels over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, is a bucket-list experience for many[/caption] It is accessed from behind the former KFC and Costa, and is adjacent to the main West Highland Line. The rail line – owned by Jahama Highland Estates – was originally used during the building of a tunnel from Loch Linnhe to a hydroelectric plant at the British Aluminium Company’s factory, and was retained until the 1970s. Following its closure, most of the track was lifted, with the steel bridges mostly left in place. The bridge became a ‘secret’ place for Harry Potter fans to watch the Jacobite stream train as it ran in and out of Fort William. The train, which travels over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, is a bucket-list experience for many, providing breath-taking views and a magical connection to the world of Harry Potter. A barrier has already been put in place to restrict access to the bridge. A spokesman for Jahama said: “With immediate effect, the old Puggy Line railway bridge is closed to all access. “Following a recent structural survey this bridge is deemed unsafe and is now closed. “Jahama Highland Estate recognises the importance of the public access from Inverlochy village across the railway line and will continue to maintain the pedestrian access at the railway bridge to the rear of the Ben Nevis Hotel. “Jahama Highland Estate is assessing options for the costs of the total removal of the old Puggy Line bridge, to ensure the long-term safety of the West Highland Railway Line.” They confirmed that there is “no plan to re-open the bridge” and that the removal of the railway bridge will be discussed with Network Rail. The spokesman added: “The bridge was part of the old Puggy Line system and was not designed, nor intended to be a public footpath access point over the railway. “It is unclear at this stage how long the bridge will remain in place, prior to its complete removal.” An alternative temporary footbridge crossing has been identified as the footbridge to the rear of the Ben Nevis Hotel. The Puggy Line railway bridge has a rich history, originally serving as a vital route during the construction of a tunnel from Loch Linnhe to a hydroelectric plant associated with the British Aluminium Company. Although most of the track was removed in the 1970s, the steel bridges remained, becoming a hidden gem for locals and tourists alike. GettyThe bridge became a ‘secret’ place for Harry Potter fans to watch the Jacobite stream train[/caption] Meanwhile Network Rail is to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in a project worth £500,000. The work will see life-expired boundary fencing – which separates the track from public areas – replaced to help keep the public safely separated from the line. Located on the Mallaig branch of the West Highland Line, the 123-year-old viaduct is a hugely popular tourist attraction which can cause issues with trespass from those seeking to take photographs of the scenery and passing trains. More than 500,000 people visit Glenfinnan each year. The work to renew the fencing comes as Network Rail complete a £3.5 million project to refurbish the viaduct itself, carrying out repairs to the concrete structure and improving the track bed and drainage. Earlier this year a deal was conjured up to save the “Hogwarts Express” steam train in the Highlands. Its operator has merged with a rival in an effort to survive a safety clampdown on traditional railway carriages. West Coast Railways will take over Riviera Trains to gain a fleet of over 60 coaches that are compliant with stringent new rules on door locks. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) ordered West Coast to switch to central-locking carriages last year after banning doors with locks that could be operated by passengers. The restriction affected the 1950s-era Mark 1 coaches used on the Jacobite train, commonly known as the Hogwarts Express for its appearances in the Harry Potter films. The train journey is said to be among the best in the world. West Coast had previously said that the ORR ruling threatened to end steam-hauled services on the main line, with tourists and Harry Potter fans alike unlikely to be attracted to modern coaching stock. The Jacobite route crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct and was made famous in the movie versions of t