Full steam ahead for The Jacobite after ban is lifted

A new season of steam locomotive journeys on Scotland's West Highland Line has started after a prohibition on the operator was lifted.

West Coast Railway Company (WCRC), which operates The Jacobite steam train trips, was banned from running its rail services on the UK's mainline railway.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) took the action after incidents in England.

After discussions between WCRC and ORR, the ban was lifted in March, clearing the way for the new Jacobite season.

Harry Potter

The train travels along the West Highland Line, a route regularly listed among the greatest railway journeys in the world.

From Fort William the trip takes passengers to Mallaig via the UK's most westerly mainland station, Arisaig.

The steam train journeys involve crossings of the Glenfinnan Viaduct

The journey involves crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was used for scenes in the Harry Potter films.

James Shuttleworth, of WCRC, said the company was delighted to be able to offer the trips for another season.

He told BBC Alba: "We have had pretty serious discussions with the ORR and they are content with the improvements that have been made, not that it has really affected The Jacobite, but in terms of nation-wide operation.

"They are comfortable we have got a plan that satisfies their needs and takes things forward."