Preserved Steam on the West Highland Railway

The railway from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig passes through superb and varied scenery from the shores of the Firth of Clyde, alongside lochs and mountains, across the desolate Great Moor of Rannoch before descending to Glen Spean and approaching Fort William from the north. A reversal is needed to continue to Mallaig, crossing the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct to reach the fishing port on the west coast.


Although diesel traction took over in the early 1960s, a limited steam service to Mallaig to cater for the tourist market was introduced by ScotRail in 1984. West Coast Railways took over in 1995 and now operate a service for some six months of the year. Since 1987 there have also been some steam-hauled trips on the line to Glasgow.


David Price has visited the line many times and presents a vibrant selection of images that illustrate steam on the West Highland Railway.