Harry Potter viaduct in line for £3.4m of repairs

A 123-year-old railway viaduct famous for its use as a Harry Potter film location is to have £3.4m-worth of repairs done to it.

Network Rail said the work would start on the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber this month.

The repairs include improvements to the structure's protection against water erosion and also the stone ballast beneath the track.

The viaduct, along with the Jacobite steam train, appeared in 2002's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Network Rail said there would be no disruption to ScotRail services along the West Highland Line during the work.

The Jacobite steam train journeys were suspended last month in a wrangle over safety regulations.

Network Rail said the repairs would not not change the appearance of the structure – which is the longest concrete viaduct in Scotland.

Engineers from Network Rail and principal contractor AmcoGiffen will also assess the condition of the crossing while carrying out the improvements.

Project manager Laura Craig said: "The viaduct is an iconic landmark which attracts visitors from across the world, so we’ve worked hard to develop a solution which will help preserve the structure, respect its historic significance while minimising the visual impact of our work."

Network Rail said it was working with the local landowner, Highland Council, to make sure work was carried out as sensitively as possible.

The company said this included using carefully selected stone for the repairs that match the existing masonry.

Highland Council's economy and infrastructure chairman Ken Gowans said: “The scenic rail journey has become a hugely popular route between Fort William and Mallaig.

"It is very popular with Harry Potter fans and attracts visitors from across the world.

"In addition, it also provides a valued service to those living and working in the communities it passes through, so it is essential that repair works and works to safeguard the route's future are carried out.”

Network Rail said residents and businesses near Glenfinnan would receive letters outlining the planned work programme and would also be kept informed of progress.

Community drop-ins are also being planned.