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Scotland's scenic West Highland railway in £15m upgrade

News imageGetty Images An aerial view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curving, 21-arch crossing of a glen in the Highlands. The Jacobite steam locomotive pulls carriages as it rolls along the track on the viaduct. Mountains and a loch provide a dramatic backdrop.Getty Images
The West Highland Line includes the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct

A railway line hailed as one of the most scenic in the world is to have £15m of repairs and improvements.

The West Highland Line, linking Glasgow to destinations including Oban and Mallaig, features the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct seen in the Harry Potter films.

The planned work also includes a revamp of a bridge at Corrour, the most remote station in the UK that features in the 1996 film Trainspotting.

Network Rail has warned of some disruption to services, and the line between Crianlarich and Fort William is to be closed for nine days from 7 to 17 November.

During the closure, Network Rail will use Rannoch and Tulloch stations as temporary compounds to support the work.

Passengers have been advised to plan ahead for journeys during the engineering work, and check with their train operator for alternative travel options.

News imageGetty Images A white and blue sign at Corrour Station that reads the name Corrour in English and Gaelic. There is a mountain peak framed by poles holding the sign. There is snow on the mountain and the ground around the sign.Getty Images
Some of the improvement work will be focused on remote Corrour Station

The project involves replacing a total of six miles (10km) of rail and 9,100 sleepers.

Five culverts are to be renewed along with other improvements to drainage along parts of the line.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said the "significant investment" would help keep the line safe, reliable and resilient for years.

He said: "The route is vital for the communities it serves and for the many visitors who travel to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

"These upgrades are essential to keeping services running smoothly in a remote and challenging environment."

Watch: Repairing the Glenfinnan Viaduct - Scotland's "Harry Potter bridge"

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, added: "While the work takes place, our priority will be on keeping people moving with rail replacement transport in place."

The West Highland Line often features in polls of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

Last year, restoration work was done to the 124-year-old Glenfinnan Viaduct, near Fort William.

Made famous by the Harry Potter film series, hundreds of visitors gather at the viaduct each day to watch the "Hogwarts Express" train cross its 21 arches.

Rope access teams worked day and night to strengthen the bridge's concrete arches and trackside areas.

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