Jacobite 2026

https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...-william-mallaig-line-two-months-late-8651844

"Monday’s service is believed to have been reserved for passengers pre-booked with tour operators, with other budding travellers asked to register on the company’s website for updates.

The start of trips appears to mark a U-turn by WCR, which had suggested it would keep Jacobite services on hold until a decision was made by the rail regulator ...."

 

That may appear to be the case but don't forget that in PR world West Coast are "working with the ORR towards a solution", "have reached an agreement with the ORR", "working in partnership with the rail regulator", "co-operating with the authorities" and "resolving issues together". The only minor flaw seems to be that the ORR haven't been given the same script.

So not really a U-turn. More a case of ever decreasing circles

 

The only conclusion one can really draw from the recent developments is that there is a commercial basis for resuming the trains. In that sense WC seem to have found a way to operate which alleviates the previous cost pressures that made the train unviable.
Beyond that it's still wait and see.

 

I think the fact that WC have fitted more early MK2 stock with CDL and sent a full rake to Scotland shows great progress and a clear intention. I also think that it’s a good train to send as it’s air only so works well with the 5s. I’m glad to seee the Jacobite working again, and long may it continue.

 

It is a welcome development, no doubt about that, particularly as it no longer seems the question of an exemption being issued is a barrier to the operation.

 

The only barrier to them operating was West Coast themselves, who declared the operation uneconomic.
There has never been any reason the Jacobite couldn't run if a compliant method could be found, that happened last year and has now happened again this year - the only thing that has changed is the number of compliant vehicles available meaning the model and number of seats has increased.
People can draw their own conclusions as to whether the last few years have been worth it and whether the court battles, bad PR and lost revenue have been equivalent to the cost of quietly fitting CDL to carriages - but I am also pleased to see a Black 5 departing Fort William for Mallaig.

 

Indeed, what I meant was that WC had said, initially, the Jacobite wouldn't run unless an exemption was issued by ORR. I took that to mean the firm didn't have the means to operate the train in the way they, and passengers, wanted to without some non CDL stock being permitted.
Clearly WC has done a reappraisal and found a way to start generating revenue/fulfilling bookings. Which is good news.
Whether a second Jacobite will run may still be contingent on an exemption perhaps?