End of freight on Harry Potter line
Glenfinnan_viaduct_2016 (wiki)
Fears have been expressed that the last regular freight service on the West Highland Line may soon be lost. The operators of the smelter at Fort William have announced plans to upgrade marine facilities, which may well mean the end of regular rail freight flows from North Blyth in England, where bulk cargo is currently shipped.
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With regard to the freight traffic on the west highland line, (to Fort William) even if the Alumina was to transfer to sea surely there is potential to move the finished product by rail especially they are to increase output to 80000 tons a year! Even if it was only moved to Mossend for onward distribution.
The demise of wagonload freight has been a disaster for the carriage of freight by rail throughout the UK and especially in the Scottish Highlands. There is potential for timber, paper mill products, fish, mail, container traffic, oil, alumina, finished aluminium products, grain, whisky, construction materials and others to be carried rapidly in air braked wagons. These could be attached to limited loco hauled passenger services if a safety case can be found and the infrastructure reinstated.
Does anyone know the timetable for this freight movement? It be nice to go up and get a few photos of it