SCARRED FOR LIFE
We live in Harry Potter fan hotspot – but we’re being overwhelmed by thousands of tourists…here’s worst part
RESIDENTS living in a Harry Potter fan hotspot have said they are being overwhelmed by thousands of tourists.
As well as the boy wizard, the hit show Outlander is also conjuring up a less than magical experience for locals.
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Visitor numbers to the Glenfinnan Viaduct have already surpassed pre-Covid levels and show no sign of slowing down.
An estimated 500,000 tourists swamp to the West Highland village each year.
A partnership approach between the local community, National Trust for Scotland and the public and private sectors is now required to facilitate rising visitor numbers.
Kate Forbes, MSP for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency, said: "For context, the local area has a population of less than 150, and with the best will in the world it is unrealistic to expect Glenfinnan residents to manage this on their own.
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"When the Harry Potter crew first came to film at the viaduct, I don't think anyone expected to see such sustained growth over 20 years on.
"It's great that so many people are coming and enjoying the Highlands, as well as supporting the local economy, but there's a responsibility to ensure visitor numbers are managed in a safe, respectful and sustainable way.
"Following the summit, there are a number of options now being looked at – including data collection, on-site facilities, travel arrangements and public messaging – and I look forward to taking this forward with the community and other stakeholder groups."
Glenfinnan resident Hege Hernæs added: "Encouragingly, we found that there was a clear willingness to help among the delegates present."
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West Coast Railways operate The Jacobite steam train along the same 41 mile route featured in the Harry Potter films.
The company also provided the steam engine and carriages for the 'Hogwarts Express' as seen in the movies.
It's twice daily trips are usually total 700 passengers - but hordes flock to photograph the train as it passes over the viaduct.
The Jacobite route between Fort William and Mallaig over the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct is regularly voted one of the world's greatest railway journeys.
And it became even more famous when the steam train starred as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
But British Transport Police have in the past warned that fans are risking death by wandering on to the railway line to take photographs of The Jacobite.
In 2015, a couple and their child were among those seen running on the railway line.
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