It takes one of the most picturesque train rides in the world over the River Finnan 100ft below on its journey between Fort William and Mallaig.

Built in the 1890s by ‘Concrete Bob’ McAlpine, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a renowned feat of Victorian engineering and the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland. 

Having captured the imaginations of a new generation via its appearance in the Harry Potter films, the Grade A-listed viaduct has become one of the most visited locations in Scotland.

However, the sheer volume of visitors - over half a million tourists visited Glenfinnan to see the viaduct in 2023 - has put pressure on local facilities and  infrastructure, none of which were designed to accommodate such great demand.

In addition, the viaduct's popularity among Harry Potter fans also causes issues with trespass from those seeking to take photographs of the scenery and passing trains.

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A glorious sight familiar to Harry Potter - and Jacobites defeated by Muggles

Now, in an effort to keep people safely separated from the rail line, Network Rail is set to renew over five kilometres of lineside fencing near the iconic viaduct - in a project worth £500,000.

The work, which will begin later this month, will see life-expired boundary fencing – which separates the track from public areas – replaced. 

Network Rail said the fencing that will be installed will not only secure the railway but will also be "sympathetic" to the scenic nature of the local area.

The need for tree and vegetation management around the existing boundary fence ahead of the renewal will improve the public’s view of the viaduct, the railway operator added. 

Train services will not be affected by the fencing project.

Hayley Simpson, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “The investment we are making in renewing the fencing in Glenfinnan will help secure the railway and keep the public safe as they enjoy the world-famous views of the viaduct and surrounding scenery.

“The work will be delivered without disrupting tarin services and the fencing we will install will be sympathetic to the natural landscape through which the line runs and not affect people’s enjoyment of the many walking trails and the spectacular views.”

The work to renew the fencing comes as Network Rail complete a £3.5 million project to refurbish the viaduct itself, carrying our repairs to the concrete structure and improving the track bed and drainage.

It also follows the completion of a two-year industry-leading pilot project to enhance the natural habitat near the viaduct, with saw trees planted across approximately 200 hectares to protect, restore and expand rainforest and peatland habitats.

The project, a result of a £300k investment from Network Rail and Forestry and Land Scotland, also saw deer fencing installed at Ardmolich to protect the newly planted native woodlands from overgrazing.