PREVIEW

The 123-year-old viaduct made famous worldwide by the Harry Potter films is to undergo a £3.4 million revamp.

The Glenfinnan viaduct in the Scottish Highlands sitting more than 100 feet (30 metres) above the River Finnan on the West Highland Line, near Fort William.
Famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. Serving as a prominent filming location for the Hogwarts Express scenes, it has become a beloved symbol for fans worldwide.
Most notably, it featured in the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in which Harry and Ron Weasley fly an enchanted car onto the viaduct only to have a close encounter with the Hogwarts Express.
Laura Craig, scheme project manager, Network Rail, said: "We know it’s a much-loved viaduct and is, of course, the longest concrete viaduct in Scotland, spanning 1000ft.
“It’s a bucket list job for our team to work on and we’ll be sharing as much information and as many updates as we can throughout the project.”
Led by Network Rail and principal contractor AmcoGiffen, the project aims to preserve and strengthen the viaduct, ensuring its longevity for years to come. Located in the Scottish Highlands, the viaduct spans 100 feet above the River Finnan.
The restoration, an essential part of Network Rail’s maintenance program, is expected to last around 12 months. Engineers will evaluate the viaduct's condition and reinforce the structure beneath the tracks to maintain the stability of the stone ballast.
Despite the extensive restoration works, rail services will continue uninterrupted throughout the project duration - meaning Harry Potter fans can still emulate students journey to Hogwarts Castle in the coming year.
Craig added: "The main works to the viaduct will be concrete repairs. We’ll also be doing some repairs to the pier that sits in the River Finnan.

“Years of planning have gone into this project. The work will not have a massive visual impact on the way the viaduct looks and that’s very deliberate, with it being grade A listed.

“We won’t be scaffolding the structure at all but in the coming weeks, you’ll start to see the rope access technicians on the viaduct as they begin work.”
Before gaining global fame through the Harry Potter franchise, the viaduct was renowned for its picturesque setting amid Scotland's stunning landscapes. Built by Scottish businessman Robert McAlpine in the 1890s, the viaduct stands as the longest concrete railway bridge in the country.
Visitors flock to Glenfinnan to capture photos of the iconic filming location, which overlooks the scenic Loch Shiel. The area's natural beauty, including rolling hills and soaring eagles, adds to its allure.
As work progresses, the Glenfinnan Viaduct will continue to enchant visitors with its timeless charm and cinematic legacy, ensuring its place as a cherished landmark in Scotland's rich heritage.