Glenfinnan Viaduct: Repairing Scotland's 'Harry Potter' bridge


One of the most recognizable landmarks in Scotland is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, standing for 123 years. Despite its historic significance, it’s in dire need of restoration work. To mitigate further deterioration, rope access teams have been working day and night over the past several months, primarily focused on the strengthening of the bridge’s concrete arches and trackside areas. The restoration is being closely tracked, particularly given the Viaduct’s role in bringing thousands of tourists annually.

This particular train journey is world-famous. Countless tourists from across the globe journey to witness the “Hogwarts Express” train crossing Glenfinnan’s 21 arches. It gained popularity from the Harry Potter film series, wherein the train was an essential symbol of the wizarding world. Even outside the film series, the train is an attraction in its own right.

BBC’s Iain Macinnes visited the restoration site to observe how the work is progressing. Clearly, sustaining such a significant landmark is no small feat. Amidst the work being undertaken to restore the bridge, there remain daily visitors who travel to capture the perfect image of the “Hogwarts Express.” Thus, the restoration work is more than just maintaining a large span of Scottish heritage, but also to provide an unforgettable tourist experience.

Morgan Spence and Jose Silver produced a video to document the restoration and its significance. Hopefully, their documentation not only serves to preserve the memory of Glenfinnan Viaduct but also illuminates the great work done to keep it standing tall for years to come

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More