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Jacobite 2026

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Kt1995, Jan 27, 2026.

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  1. andyjhatton

    andyjhatton New Member

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    I think Green Signals covered the subject thoroughly.
    It's not their fault that it's basically a standoff.

    Nothing changes the fact that all the heritage operators except for WC have "moved on" and Green Signals rightly pointed out that if WC were to get some exemption the others were denied, there would be legal hell to pay.

    The money that WC have spent on legal fees could probably have covered compliance, but that ship has sailed. Now they're in the worst of both worlds.
     
    andyjhatton, Feb 20, 2026
    #21
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  2. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    You make a very good point about other operators having 'moved on'. I read somewhere that LSL objected to one of West Coast's exemption requests on the grounds that LSL had to raise fares to help cover the cost of CDL fitment. So long as West Coast had an exemption and did not fit CDL, they had a commercial advantage. Should have been clear at this point West Coast had 'lost the room'.
    Anyway, at risk of diverting another thread on CDL stuff, anyone know whats happening with the K1??
     
    acorb, Feb 21, 2026
    #22
  3. Alex Productions

    Alex Productions Member

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    The last I heard on the K1 was at Titans of Steam back in September when a member of the owning group said it was still being worked on and there weren't plans to give it air brakes at that current moment in time.

    Things may have moved on since then though.
     
    Alex Productions, Feb 21, 2026
    #23
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  4. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    For information about progress with the K1, it’s a simple Google search for “NELPG”, from which you will find their website.
     
    twr12, Feb 21, 2026
    #24
  5. Rail Ranger

    Rail Ranger New Member

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    West Coast appear to have agreed finally to fit CDL to their Mark 1s and early Mark 2s. The Scotsman article is behind a paywall unfortunately: 'Hogwarts Express' Jacobite steam train operator agrees to safety move amid uncertainty over service's future https://share.google/JhJ04I5rV9v51RJsX
     
    Rail Ranger, Feb 22, 2026
    #25
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  6. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    See the ORR and WCRC thread.
     
    MellishR, Feb 22, 2026
    #26
  7. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    https://www.facebook.com/groups/scotlanditinerary/permalink/34372692409043595/

    Scotland Travel Forum ·
    Scottish Independent Tour Operator Association ·dtoosrSenp 7m16tgftfh3hM670191aca3 5031:ru9m1tcuaf6706786li ·

    SITOA Voices Concern Over Jacobite Train Suspension
    The Scottish Independent Tour Operator Association has expressed concern over uncertainty surrounding the operation of the Jacobite Steam Train following safety compliance issues relating to central door locking.
    The long-running issue has previously been resolved at the last minute by the Office of Rail and Road providing further temporary exemptions to allow operation of carriages without central door locking. SITOA understands this exemption has not been granted for the 2026 season.
    The Jacobite Steam Train is one of the Highlands’ most iconic visitor experiences and a key element of many tour itineraries. Its absence would impact tour operators across Scotland and have wider consequences for the tourism economy of Lochaber, bringing fewer visitors to destinations such as Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig.
    As of the time of writing (16th March 2026) tickets are still not available for the train, 4 months after their anticipated release.
    SITOA welcomed efforts by Transport Scotland and Kate Forbes MSP to help resolve the issue and find a practical solution, while recognising the regulatory role of the Office of Rail and Road in ensuring safety compliance.
    Sandy Bloomer, Chair of SITOA, said:
    “The Jacobite Steam Train is a flagship tourism experience for the Highlands and a highlight of many visitor itineraries. We appreciate the work being done by Transport Scotland and Kate Forbes to help find a solution.
    It is vital that a workable outcome can be reached with the Office of Rail and Road that ensures safety while allowing this hugely important service to continue supporting tour operators and the wider Lochaber economy.”
    SITOA will continue to monitor developments closely and is calling for greater clarity for the tourism sector as the upcoming season approaches.
     
    Sidmouth, Mar 18, 2026 at 7:35 PM
    #27
  8. Gunslinger1948

    Gunslinger1948 New Member

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    The only way I can this this heading in the way of a "compromise" is a route-specific exemption for the West Highland Extension only. There is a precedent with the arrangements for the NYMR trains to Whitby.
     
    Gunslinger1948, Mar 18, 2026 at 8:32 PM
    #28
  9. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    As discussed at length, that precedent is a poor match for the West Highland Extension.
     
    35B, Mar 18, 2026 at 9:31 PM
    #29
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