Original subtitles

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

TRAIN HOOTS

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

from above.

We'll showcase these machines in all their glory,

We'll showcase these machines in all their glory,

travelling through the most breathtaking landscape

travelling through the most breathtaking landscape

the country has to offer...

..the North Yorkshire Moors...

..the North Yorkshire Moors...

..the Highlands of Scotland...

..the Highlands of Scotland...

the rolling hills of Somerset...

the rolling hills of Somerset...

..and Snowdonia,

..and Snowdonia,

known today as Eryri.

known today as Eryri.

Our trains are time travellers...

Our trains are time travellers...

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

to unravel the truth about Britain's great railway revolution.

to unravel the truth about Britain's great railway revolution.

to unravel the truth about Britain's great railway revolution.

Sit back,

soak up the scenery and enjoy all the romance

soak up the scenery and enjoy all the romance

and the thrill of a steam train journey

and the thrill of a steam train journey

like you've never seen it before.

like you've never seen it before.

The Highlands of Scotland are a land of mystery and magic.

The Highlands of Scotland are a land of mystery and magic.

The Highlands of Scotland are a land of mystery and magic.

A world of ancient mountains and lochs.

A world of ancient mountains and lochs.

Of myth and legend.

Of myth and legend.

And through its heartland runs a railway

And through its heartland runs a railway

that's been voted the greatest in the world.

that's been voted the greatest in the world.

It's called the Jacobite Railway...

It's called the Jacobite Railway...

..and it starts in Fort William.

..and it starts in Fort William.

But the steam train is also known as the Hogwarts Express...

But the steam train is also known as the Hogwarts Express...

But the steam train is also known as the Hogwarts Express...

..and has become world-famous thanks to its starring role

..and has become world-famous thanks to its starring role

in the Harry Potter movies.

As the train waits in the station,

As the train waits in the station,

we're about to embark on an unforgettable adventure...

we're about to embark on an unforgettable adventure...

..that will take us back three centuries...

..that will take us back three centuries...

..to uncover a dramatic chapter of Scottish history.

..to uncover a dramatic chapter of Scottish history.

The greatest threat to the English throne...

The greatest threat to the English throne...

..in the last 300 years.

..in the last 300 years.

The train is about to set off on a 42-mile journey

The train is about to set off on a 42-mile journey

through the Scottish Highlands, from Fort William to Mallaig.

through the Scottish Highlands, from Fort William to Mallaig.

through the Scottish Highlands, from Fort William to Mallaig.

The train passes the most iconic landmarks of the Jacobite rebellion.

The train passes the most iconic landmarks of the Jacobite rebellion.

The train passes the most iconic landmarks of the Jacobite rebellion.

At the world renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct,

At the world renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct,

we'll discover the exact spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie

we'll discover the exact spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie

united Highland clansmen against the Crown.

united Highland clansmen against the Crown.

And on our way to Mallaig,

we'll pass the loch that will reveal if the rebellion was a success.

we'll pass the loch that will reveal if the rebellion was a success.

we'll pass the loch that will reveal if the rebellion was a success.

TRAIN HOOTS

As the train inches its way out of the station...

As the train inches its way out of the station...

..the Jacobite Railway is about to become a front row seat

..the Jacobite Railway is about to become a front row seat

..the Jacobite Railway is about to become a front row seat

to the bloodiest chapter in Scottish history -

to the bloodiest chapter in Scottish history -

the Jacobite rebellion.

We'll find out who they were and why the rebellion took place

We'll find out who they were and why the rebellion took place

We'll find out who they were and why the rebellion took place

and, more importantly, how the outcome

and, more importantly, how the outcome

would shape Scotland forever.

would shape Scotland forever.

On the outskirts of Fort William, the train picks up speed

On the outskirts of Fort William, the train picks up speed

through the foothills of the highest mountain in Britain.

through the foothills of the highest mountain in Britain.

Once a vast volcano,

Once a vast volcano,

Ben Nevis is all that remains

Ben Nevis is all that remains

after a cataclysmic explosion millions of years ago.

after a cataclysmic explosion millions of years ago.

The train journey has begun in its shadow.

The train journey has begun in its shadow.

Fort William, as its name implies,

Fort William, as its name implies,

was originally a fort built as a garrison

was originally a fort built as a garrison

to protect the English Crown from the Scottish clans.

to protect the English Crown from the Scottish clans.

They had never accepted rule by an English king.

They had never accepted rule by an English king.

As the train leaves Fort William

As the train leaves Fort William

and its journey through the mountains begins...

and its journey through the mountains begins...

..it's about to pass a remarkable example

..it's about to pass a remarkable example

of the challenge of building a railway in this environment.

of the challenge of building a railway in this environment.

of the challenge of building a railway in this environment.

The train crosses the Caledonian Canal,

The train crosses the Caledonian Canal,

which runs north to Inverness.

which runs north to Inverness.

But to create the canal in the foothills of the mountains,

But to create the canal in the foothills of the mountains,

But to create the canal in the foothills of the mountains,

engineers had to form Neptune's Staircase.

engineers had to form Neptune's Staircase.

Built more than 200 years ago,

Built more than 200 years ago,

it's the longest staircase lock in Britain...

it's the longest staircase lock in Britain...

..and it raises canal boats 60ft.

..and it raises canal boats 60ft.

Two miles out from Fort William, the landscape opens

Two miles out from Fort William, the landscape opens

and the train begins to leave civilisation behind.

and the train begins to leave civilisation behind.

We've reached Loch Eil,

We've reached Loch Eil,

where the Jacobite Railway starts its journey

where the Jacobite Railway starts its journey

through the mystery and enchantment of the Highlands.

through the mystery and enchantment of the Highlands.

Whilst the track is flat and straight,

Whilst the track is flat and straight,

it's an opportunity for passengers to enjoy the thrill

it's an opportunity for passengers to enjoy the thrill

of the golden age of travel...

..as the steam engine picks up speed and races along,

..as the steam engine picks up speed and races along,

with stunning views.

The railway has entered clan country.

The railway has entered clan country.

For centuries, this landscape was dominated

For centuries, this landscape was dominated

by one of Scotland's most ancient clans - the Camerons.

by one of Scotland's most ancient clans - the Camerons.

Historically, the Highlands were divided into territories

Historically, the Highlands were divided into territories

ruled over by different clans.

Loch Eil was the ancestral home of the Cameron clan.

Loch Eil was the ancestral home of the Cameron clan.

And today, the chief of the clan still carries the name

And today, the chief of the clan still carries the name

Cameron of Lochiel.

As the track weaves along Loch Eil,

As the track weaves along Loch Eil,

voices of the past echo through the empty landscape

voices of the past echo through the empty landscape

from a time three centuries ago.

from a time three centuries ago.

It was in these hills that the Camerons gathered with clans

It was in these hills that the Camerons gathered with clans

from throughout the Highlands.

The clansmen were supporters of James II,

The clansmen were supporters of James II,

a Scottish king who, for four years, also held the English throne.

a Scottish king who, for four years, also held the English throne.

a Scottish king who, for four years, also held the English throne.

But he was overthrown and replaced with a new king

But he was overthrown and replaced with a new king

But he was overthrown and replaced with a new king

with a radically reduced role, chosen by the English.

with a radically reduced role, chosen by the English.

The Jacobites, named after Jacobus, the Latin name for James,

The Jacobites, named after Jacobus, the Latin name for James,

The Jacobites, named after Jacobus, the Latin name for James,

wanted to return James II to the throne

wanted to return James II to the throne

and make him King of England and Scotland again.

and make him King of England and Scotland again.

But as the largest ever mass rising of Scottish forces

But as the largest ever mass rising of Scottish forces

But as the largest ever mass rising of Scottish forces

gathered in these hills,

gathered in these hills,

could they take the English crown?

could they take the English crown?

Over 20 years after the imposition of an English king,

Over 20 years after the imposition of an English king,

16,000 rebels from 26 Scottish clans

16,000 rebels from 26 Scottish clans

marched south to confront the English forces

marched south to confront the English forces

at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.

at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.

The rebels outnumbered the English forces almost three to one

The rebels outnumbered the English forces almost three to one

The rebels outnumbered the English forces almost three to one

but the battle was a disaster.

but the battle was a disaster.

The rising was put down and the leaders killed or exiled.

The rising was put down and the leaders killed or exiled.

The rising was put down and the leaders killed or exiled.

It was a major setback for the rebels.

It was a major setback for the rebels.

But was there a more successful uprising to come?

But was there a more successful uprising to come?

TRAIN HOOTS

15 miles from Fort William, the train is chugging hard

15 miles from Fort William, the train is chugging hard

15 miles from Fort William, the train is chugging hard

on the first steep climb through the Highlands...

on the first steep climb through the Highlands...

..but the reward will be the most spectacular spot on the entire line.

..but the reward will be the most spectacular spot on the entire line.

..but the reward will be the most spectacular spot on the entire line.

So, naturally, it's the place the Harry Potter film-makers

So, naturally, it's the place the Harry Potter film-makers

chose to convey an enchanting world of magic and mystery

chose to convey an enchanting world of magic and mystery

on the big screen.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Instantly recognisable to hundreds of millions of movie fans

Instantly recognisable to hundreds of millions of movie fans

across the globe, the magnificent viaduct

across the globe, the magnificent viaduct

and its spellbinding Highland backdrop

and its spellbinding Highland backdrop

plays a leading role in the movies.

plays a leading role in the movies.

TRAIN HOOTS

It's the magic moment that Harry, Hermione and Ron

It's the magic moment that Harry, Hermione and Ron

travel into the wizard world for the start of term at Hogwarts.

travel into the wizard world for the start of term at Hogwarts.

travel into the wizard world for the start of term at Hogwarts.

Even before the viaduct became a global superstar,

Even before the viaduct became a global superstar,

Glenfinnan was already a celebrated location in Scottish history...

Glenfinnan was already a celebrated location in Scottish history...

Glenfinnan was already a celebrated location in Scottish history...

..because what unfolded here was pivotal

..because what unfolded here was pivotal

to the fate of the rebellion.

to the fate of the rebellion.

Little wonder that every day hundreds of people flock

Little wonder that every day hundreds of people flock

to Glenfinnan to take in this Scottish spectacle.

to Glenfinnan to take in this Scottish spectacle.

Coming up...

..as our magical mystery tour continues,

..as our magical mystery tour continues,

we'll discover the unforgettable scene

we'll discover the unforgettable scene

that transformed the Glenfinnan Viaduct into a cinematic icon

that transformed the Glenfinnan Viaduct into a cinematic icon

that transformed the Glenfinnan Viaduct into a cinematic icon

and how, three centuries earlier, at the same location...

and how, three centuries earlier, at the same location...

and how, three centuries earlier, at the same location...

..there was the beginning of an even stronger rebel uprising.

..there was the beginning of an even stronger rebel uprising.

..there was the beginning of an even stronger rebel uprising.

In the Scottish Highlands, we're tracing the journey of a steam train

In the Scottish Highlands, we're tracing the journey of a steam train

In the Scottish Highlands, we're tracing the journey of a steam train

through some of the most famous landscape in the country

through some of the most famous landscape in the country

on the Jacobite Railway.

on the Jacobite Railway.

Three centuries ago, this remote world of ancient mountains and lochs

Three centuries ago, this remote world of ancient mountains and lochs

Three centuries ago, this remote world of ancient mountains and lochs

was clan country, where tribes of Highlanders united

was clan country, where tribes of Highlanders united

was clan country, where tribes of Highlanders united

to overthrow the English Crown.

to overthrow the English Crown.

The King's forces had already put down the largest uprising

The King's forces had already put down the largest uprising

in Scottish history...

..but was there a stronger rebellion to come?

..but was there a stronger rebellion to come?

At the railway's most iconic spot,

At the railway's most iconic spot,

the answer starts to unfold.

the answer starts to unfold.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct has played such a significant role

The Glenfinnan Viaduct has played such a significant role

in Scottish history that it features on the £10 note,

in Scottish history that it features on the £10 note,

in Scottish history that it features on the £10 note,

and we're about to discover why.

and we're about to discover why.

As the train stops here,

As the train stops here,

the passengers take in the beauty of their surroundings.

the passengers take in the beauty of their surroundings.

The arched viaduct is a horseshoe curve

The arched viaduct is a horseshoe curve

100ft above the ground

100ft above the ground

that follows the steep contours of the mountains.

that follows the steep contours of the mountains.

And looking south, reaching out towards the horizon,

And looking south, reaching out towards the horizon,

passengers can spot Loch Shiel

passengers can spot Loch Shiel

glistening like a fjord.

glistening like a fjord.

Stretching for 17 miles,

Stretching for 17 miles,

the narrow loch, surrounded by towering mountains,

the narrow loch, surrounded by towering mountains,

is a quintessential view of the Highlands.

is a quintessential view of the Highlands.

But the most iconic part of the extraordinary railway vista

But the most iconic part of the extraordinary railway vista

But the most iconic part of the extraordinary railway vista

is the monument on the shore of the loch.

is the monument on the shore of the loch.

The monument takes us back in time over 300 years...

The monument takes us back in time over 300 years...

The monument takes us back in time over 300 years...

..to one of the most dramatic scenes in Scottish history.

..to one of the most dramatic scenes in Scottish history.

In the early hours of the 19th of August, 1745...

In the early hours of the 19th of August, 1745...

..Bonnie Prince Charlie stepped ashore here.

..Bonnie Prince Charlie stepped ashore here.

His ambition was to put his father,

His ambition was to put his father,

the son of James II, on the throne,

the son of James II, on the throne,

so he would one day inherit the throne himself and become king.

so he would one day inherit the throne himself and become king.

so he would one day inherit the throne himself and become king.

The Prince was hoping to be welcomed by hundreds of clansmen.

The Prince was hoping to be welcomed by hundreds of clansmen.

The Prince was hoping to be welcomed by hundreds of clansmen.

But when he arrived, there was barely a soul to be seen.

But when he arrived, there was barely a soul to be seen.

But when he arrived, there was barely a soul to be seen.

But, in late afternoon,

But, in late afternoon,

the sound of bagpipes coming over the hills...

the sound of bagpipes coming over the hills...

..hailed the arrival of 1,200 clansmen

..hailed the arrival of 1,200 clansmen

..hailed the arrival of 1,200 clansmen

who wanted to pledge their allegiance to the Prince.

who wanted to pledge their allegiance to the Prince.

Over half of the men were from Clan Cameron,

Over half of the men were from Clan Cameron,

led by their chief, Donald Cameron of Lochiel.

led by their chief, Donald Cameron of Lochiel.

led by their chief, Donald Cameron of Lochiel.

At the top of the monument stands the "unknown Highlander".

At the top of the monument stands the "unknown Highlander".

At the top of the monument stands the "unknown Highlander".

It's a tribute to the men who pledged to give their lives

It's a tribute to the men who pledged to give their lives

for the rebellion.

To signal the start of the rebellion,

To signal the start of the rebellion,

the Prince raised his standard

the Prince raised his standard

and, together with his Highland army,

and, together with his Highland army,

set out on his mission to take the English throne.

set out on his mission to take the English throne.

But would the Prince's plan to invade England be a success?

But would the Prince's plan to invade England be a success?

But would the Prince's plan to invade England be a success?

Today, half a million people visit Glenfinnan every year.

Today, half a million people visit Glenfinnan every year.

Today, half a million people visit Glenfinnan every year.

It's an opportunity to pay their respects

It's an opportunity to pay their respects

to a historic moment in Scotland's history.

to a historic moment in Scotland's history.

But there's another reason why so many people come.

But there's another reason why so many people come.

But there's another reason why so many people come.

Magic.

Harry Potter fans will recognise the great lake

Harry Potter fans will recognise the great lake

in the grounds of the famous school of magic - Hogwarts.

in the grounds of the famous school of magic - Hogwarts.

Loch Shiel's size, together with its spellbinding scenery,

Loch Shiel's size, together with its spellbinding scenery,

Loch Shiel's size, together with its spellbinding scenery,

made it the perfect spot to bring the great lake to life.

made it the perfect spot to bring the great lake to life.

made it the perfect spot to bring the great lake to life.

In the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets...

In the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets...

..Harry is flying around the sky on his broomstick,

..Harry is flying around the sky on his broomstick,

playing the magical game of Quidditch,

playing the magical game of Quidditch,

and Loch Shiel is the backdrop to the stadium.

and Loch Shiel is the backdrop to the stadium.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the most popular spot

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the most popular spot

on this magical tourist trail

on this magical tourist trail

because it features in so many standout scenes.

because it features in so many standout scenes.

But the most memorable scene is from Chamber of Secrets,

But the most memorable scene is from Chamber of Secrets,

when Harry and Ron are chasing the train in a flying car,

when Harry and Ron are chasing the train in a flying car,

swooping wildly around the viaduct

swooping wildly around the viaduct

because it's been placed under a curse.

because it's been placed under a curse.

Thanks to one of the most watched movie franchises

Thanks to one of the most watched movie franchises

in Hollywood history, the Glenfinnan Viaduct

in Hollywood history, the Glenfinnan Viaduct

has been etched into the memory of hundreds of millions of movie fans

has been etched into the memory of hundreds of millions of movie fans

has been etched into the memory of hundreds of millions of movie fans

for all time.

From Harry Potter to Bonnie Prince Charlie,

From Harry Potter to Bonnie Prince Charlie,

the Glenfinnan Viaduct is of great cultural and historical importance,

the Glenfinnan Viaduct is of great cultural and historical importance,

the Glenfinnan Viaduct is of great cultural and historical importance,

but it's also an engineering masterpiece.

but it's also an engineering masterpiece.

Repairs are needed,

so it's being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

so it's being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When the railway was built over 120 years ago...

When the railway was built over 120 years ago...

When the railway was built over 120 years ago...

..the line's engineer was Robert McAlpine,

..the line's engineer was Robert McAlpine,

who founded what is still one of Britain's large

who founded what is still one of Britain's large

construction companies.

Using the breakthrough material of the day on an industrial scale

Using the breakthrough material of the day on an industrial scale

for the very first time gave him a new nickname...

for the very first time gave him a new nickname...

..Concrete Bob.

And today, stretching over 1,200ft,

And today, stretching over 1,200ft,

the viaduct is still the longest concrete railway structure

the viaduct is still the longest concrete railway structure

in Scotland.

After Glenfinnan, Concrete Bob's railway

After Glenfinnan, Concrete Bob's railway

climbs to the highest point of the entire line.

climbs to the highest point of the entire line.

As the weather closes in

and the landscape appears more ominous than ever before...

and the landscape appears more ominous than ever before...

..we're about to discover how ambitious,

..we're about to discover how ambitious,

or foolhardy, you had to be to build a railway up here.

or foolhardy, you had to be to build a railway up here.

or foolhardy, you had to be to build a railway up here.

This stretch of rocky terrain after Glenfinnan

This stretch of rocky terrain after Glenfinnan

encapsulates why the line was one of the final challenges

encapsulates why the line was one of the final challenges

for Victorian railway engineers.

for Victorian railway engineers.

The train carves a path through the toughest terrain imaginable.

The train carves a path through the toughest terrain imaginable.

The train carves a path through the toughest terrain imaginable.

A strong rock called mica schist is everywhere...

A strong rock called mica schist is everywhere...

..so digging out tunnels and cuttings

..so digging out tunnels and cuttings

and building embankments and bridges did not come cheap.

and building embankments and bridges did not come cheap.

When construction work began,

When construction work began,

the target was to build the railway in just four years.

the target was to build the railway in just four years.

the target was to build the railway in just four years.

Further along the line, we'll discover how a spark of genius,

Further along the line, we'll discover how a spark of genius,

Further along the line, we'll discover how a spark of genius,

this time from Concrete Bob's son,

this time from Concrete Bob's son,

would help overcome the backbreaking challenge

would help overcome the backbreaking challenge

of digging through mile after mile of unforgiving rock.

of digging through mile after mile of unforgiving rock.

Cruising down from the line's high point,

Cruising down from the line's high point,

we reach the shores of Loch Eilt, where there's yet another example

we reach the shores of Loch Eilt, where there's yet another example

we reach the shores of Loch Eilt, where there's yet another example

of a famous scene from the Harry Potter films.

of a famous scene from the Harry Potter films.

22 miles from Fort William,

22 miles from Fort William,

it's an opportunity to relax, look out the window

it's an opportunity to relax, look out the window

it's an opportunity to relax, look out the window

and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery

and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery

Scotland has to offer.

The final resting place of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore

The final resting place of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore

The final resting place of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore

is this mystical tree-dotted island called Eilean na Moine.

is this mystical tree-dotted island called Eilean na Moine.

is this mystical tree-dotted island called Eilean na Moine.

Dumbledore's grave on Loch Eilt

Dumbledore's grave on Loch Eilt

adds to the flying car over the Glenfinnan Viaduct

adds to the flying car over the Glenfinnan Viaduct

and wizards buzzing around over Loch Shiel,

and wizards buzzing around over Loch Shiel,

transforming the Jacobite Railway

transforming the Jacobite Railway

into the real Hogwarts Express.

into the real Hogwarts Express.

Next.....

..the jewel of the Highlands...

..the jewel of the Highlands...

..the Atlantic coast...

..and a date with destiny for the rebels.

..and a date with destiny for the rebels.

Would Bonnie Prince Charlie's bold plan to invade England

Would Bonnie Prince Charlie's bold plan to invade England

Would Bonnie Prince Charlie's bold plan to invade England

finally bring success?

finally bring success?

In the Highlands of Scotland,

In the Highlands of Scotland,

we're tracing the journey of a steam train

we're tracing the journey of a steam train

on the Jacobite Railway...

on the Jacobite Railway...

..that's transported us back three centuries

..that's transported us back three centuries

to follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie

to follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie

and his army of rebels.

The train is heading for the place that will reveal

The train is heading for the place that will reveal

whether the Prince was able to achieve his ultimate goal.

whether the Prince was able to achieve his ultimate goal.

Invading England, taking the Crown...

Invading England, taking the Crown...

..and putting his grandfather, James II, on the throne.

..and putting his grandfather, James II, on the throne.

..and putting his grandfather, James II, on the throne.

As the train heads further and further west...

As the train heads further and further west...

..the landscape is more isolated than any we've seen.

..the landscape is more isolated than any we've seen.

..the landscape is more isolated than any we've seen.

After leaving Lochailort Station,

After leaving Lochailort Station,

we've already travelled 26 miles,

we've already travelled 26 miles,

but there's still 16 to go.

but there's still 16 to go.

We're heading for Loch nan Uamh,

We're heading for Loch nan Uamh,

a place that was both the beginning of Bonnie Prince Charlie's story

a place that was both the beginning of Bonnie Prince Charlie's story

a place that was both the beginning of Bonnie Prince Charlie's story

and reveals the outcome.

and reveals the outcome.

As the steam engine races into view,

As the steam engine races into view,

it passes an isolated white building.

it passes an isolated white building.

This is Our Lady of the Braes Church.

This is Our Lady of the Braes Church.

But the last mass here was nearly 50 years ago.

But the last mass here was nearly 50 years ago.

And today, the church standing in the empty landscape

And today, the church standing in the empty landscape

asks the question...

..why did all the people who called this enchanting place home leave?

..why did all the people who called this enchanting place home leave?

..why did all the people who called this enchanting place home leave?

The answer lies with the fate of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The answer lies with the fate of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The answer lies with the fate of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

After the Prince and his rebel army left Glenfinnan to invade England,

After the Prince and his rebel army left Glenfinnan to invade England,

After the Prince and his rebel army left Glenfinnan to invade England,

they began to march towards London with the new-found belief

they began to march towards London with the new-found belief

they began to march towards London with the new-found belief

that they really could achieve their goal and topple the English King.

that they really could achieve their goal and topple the English King.

that they really could achieve their goal and topple the English King.

After support for the cause mounted

After support for the cause mounted

with an unexpectedly one-sided victory at Prestonpans,

with an unexpectedly one-sided victory at Prestonpans,

the rebels crossed the border into England

the rebels crossed the border into England

and reached Derby - over half the way to London.

and reached Derby - over half the way to London.

and reached Derby - over half the way to London.

The train is approaching the loch that will reveal the outcome

The train is approaching the loch that will reveal the outcome

of Bonnie Prince Charlie's invasion.

of Bonnie Prince Charlie's invasion.

It's also a section of the line that illustrates

It's also a section of the line that illustrates

the engineering challenge of carving a railway through the Highlands.

the engineering challenge of carving a railway through the Highlands.

the engineering challenge of carving a railway through the Highlands.

There are three long tunnels and three viaducts

There are three long tunnels and three viaducts

in just this short three-mile section of the line.

in just this short three-mile section of the line.

Following in his father's footsteps,

Following in his father's footsteps,

Concrete Bob's son, Malcolm McAlpine,

Concrete Bob's son, Malcolm McAlpine,

also had an innovative approach to engineering.

also had an innovative approach to engineering.

At the time, drilling tunnels was a notoriously difficult operation,

At the time, drilling tunnels was a notoriously difficult operation,

At the time, drilling tunnels was a notoriously difficult operation,

but, observing a water-powered drill used by his dentist,

but, observing a water-powered drill used by his dentist,

but, observing a water-powered drill used by his dentist,

Malcolm had his own eureka moment.

Malcolm had his own eureka moment.

He realised that water could be the power source

He realised that water could be the power source

that would revolutionise the drilling of tunnels.

that would revolutionise the drilling of tunnels.

It was cheaply available...

It was cheaply available...

..and brought about a fourfold increase in the speed of drilling.

..and brought about a fourfold increase in the speed of drilling.

As it heads further west, the train arrives at Loch nan Uamh...

As it heads further west, the train arrives at Loch nan Uamh...

As it heads further west, the train arrives at Loch nan Uamh...

..where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on the Scottish mainland

..where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on the Scottish mainland

with his small band of supporters.

with his small band of supporters.

Just five months later,

with the Prince's army of Highlanders camped near Derby,

with the Prince's army of Highlanders camped near Derby,

the Crown was tantalisingly within reach.

the Crown was tantalisingly within reach.

But, spooked by reports of a large number of the King's soldiers

But, spooked by reports of a large number of the King's soldiers

gathering nearby with superior weaponry...

gathering nearby with superior weaponry...

..the rebel army retreated all the way to Scotland...

..the rebel army retreated all the way to Scotland...

..where, four months later, at the Battle of Culloden,

..where, four months later, at the Battle of Culloden,

the end came for the rebels.

the end came for the rebels.

The Prince left his men exposed to cannon fire

The Prince left his men exposed to cannon fire

and they were decimated.

and they were decimated.

The old fighting ways of the Highlands

The old fighting ways of the Highlands

were defeated by modern warfare.

were defeated by modern warfare.

The Prince was to flee Scotland as a fugitive,

The Prince was to flee Scotland as a fugitive,

with the equivalent today of a £5 million bounty on his head.

with the equivalent today of a £5 million bounty on his head.

with the equivalent today of a £5 million bounty on his head.

Loch nan Uamh is Gaelic for Loch of the Caves,

Loch nan Uamh is Gaelic for Loch of the Caves,

and it's believed the Prince sheltered

and it's believed the Prince sheltered

in one of the loch's caves overnight before escaping to France.

in one of the loch's caves overnight before escaping to France.

in one of the loch's caves overnight before escaping to France.

On the opposite side of the loch to the railway

On the opposite side of the loch to the railway

lies the Ardnish Peninsula,

lies the Ardnish Peninsula,

where the empty landscape demonstrates

where the empty landscape demonstrates

how the defeat of the rebellion changed Scotland forever.

how the defeat of the rebellion changed Scotland forever.

how the defeat of the rebellion changed Scotland forever.

Over the century following the defeat,

Over the century following the defeat,

the clan system collapsed and tens of thousands of Highlanders

the clan system collapsed and tens of thousands of Highlanders

the clan system collapsed and tens of thousands of Highlanders

were forced from their lands

as a result of the infamous Highland Clearances...

as a result of the infamous Highland Clearances...

..creating a Scottish diaspora in North America and Australasia,

..creating a Scottish diaspora in North America and Australasia,

..creating a Scottish diaspora in North America and Australasia,

where many of their descendants live today.

where many of their descendants live today.

BIRDS SQUAWK

An already sparsely populated land became desolate.

An already sparsely populated land became desolate.

An already sparsely populated land became desolate.

Today, the Ardnish Peninsula is completely uninhabited.

Today, the Ardnish Peninsula is completely uninhabited.

Today, the Ardnish Peninsula is completely uninhabited.

The abandoned crofting villages along the coastline

The abandoned crofting villages along the coastline

are an evocative reminder of a happier past.

are an evocative reminder of a happier past.

Once a flourishing place with a deep history,

Once a flourishing place with a deep history,

the ruins of Peanmeanach was once a village

the ruins of Peanmeanach was once a village

that recorded 48 people in the 1841 census.

that recorded 48 people in the 1841 census.

There's an Iron Age fort

There's an Iron Age fort

and the remains of a Viking boat shed on the shore.

and the remains of a Viking boat shed on the shore.

The last resident to leave the area was Nellie MacQueen,

The last resident to leave the area was Nellie MacQueen,

who moved out of this bothy during the Second World War,

who moved out of this bothy during the Second World War,

unable to survive on wartime rations.

unable to survive on wartime rations.

Today, the ruins, like Our Lady of the Braes Church nearby,

Today, the ruins, like Our Lady of the Braes Church nearby,

Today, the ruins, like Our Lady of the Braes Church nearby,

stand as memorials to a once thriving Highland community.

stand as memorials to a once thriving Highland community.

stand as memorials to a once thriving Highland community.

On the train's great journey west...

On the train's great journey west...

..the Atlantic has appeared on the horizon.

..the Atlantic has appeared on the horizon.

And with it...

..the promise of one of Scotland's most dramatic coastlines.

..the promise of one of Scotland's most dramatic coastlines.

The pristine beaches of the Atlantic coast...

The pristine beaches of the Atlantic coast...

..are the jewel of the Highlands.

..are the jewel of the Highlands.

With crystal-clear water that you might expect in the Caribbean,

With crystal-clear water that you might expect in the Caribbean,

With crystal-clear water that you might expect in the Caribbean,

this is an unspoilt haven,

this is an unspoilt haven,

with mile after mile of white sand

with mile after mile of white sand

for the few people who venture here.

for the few people who venture here.

Further along the coastline are small communities

Further along the coastline are small communities

put on the map thanks to the railway.

put on the map thanks to the railway.

For centuries, travel into the mainland

For centuries, travel into the mainland

from the tiny fishing village of Arisaig was slow and arduous.

from the tiny fishing village of Arisaig was slow and arduous.

from the tiny fishing village of Arisaig was slow and arduous.

Before the railway opened,

Before the railway opened,

access to the rest of the world was by coastal steamer...

access to the rest of the world was by coastal steamer...

..or by a mail coach that took seven-and-a-half hours

..or by a mail coach that took seven-and-a-half hours

to reach Fort William.

On the railway, the journey took less than two hours.

On the railway, the journey took less than two hours.

TRAIN HOOTS

As the train approaches Arisaig, our journey west

As the train approaches Arisaig, our journey west

has arrived at the most westerly train station in Scotland.

has arrived at the most westerly train station in Scotland.

Concrete Bob and his son Malcolm had been challenged

Concrete Bob and his son Malcolm had been challenged

to build the railway in four years.

to build the railway in four years.

Trains began running almost a year ahead of schedule.

Trains began running almost a year ahead of schedule.

Trains began running almost a year ahead of schedule.

Arisaig Station is the perfect spot to celebrate the ground-breaking

Arisaig Station is the perfect spot to celebrate the ground-breaking

engineering achievement of Concrete Bob and Malcolm.

engineering achievement of Concrete Bob and Malcolm.

This is where the morning and afternoon services

This is where the morning and afternoon services

cross paths every day.

cross paths every day.

A fitting tribute to the wonder and majesty of steam trains

A fitting tribute to the wonder and majesty of steam trains

A fitting tribute to the wonder and majesty of steam trains

and their key role in the revitalisation of the Highlands.

and their key role in the revitalisation of the Highlands.

and their key role in the revitalisation of the Highlands.

Coming up on the last leg of our journey...

Coming up on the last leg of our journey...

..we continue through this land of extremes...

..we continue through this land of extremes...

..past Scotland's deepest loch

..past Scotland's deepest loch

and its shortest river...

and its shortest river...

..and the boat trip to the Isle of Skye

..and the boat trip to the Isle of Skye

that's come to symbolise the romantic legacy

that's come to symbolise the romantic legacy

of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In the Highlands of Scotland, we're following a steam train...

In the Highlands of Scotland, we're following a steam train...

In the Highlands of Scotland, we're following a steam train...

..that's come to be known as the real Hogwarts Express...

..that's come to be known as the real Hogwarts Express...

..and has brought to life the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie

..and has brought to life the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie

..and has brought to life the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie

and his army of rebels...

..from the hope of Glenfinnan...

..from the hope of Glenfinnan...

..to the despair of the devastating Highland Clearances that followed.

..to the despair of the devastating Highland Clearances that followed.

..to the despair of the devastating Highland Clearances that followed.

But at the turn of the 19th century,

But at the turn of the 19th century,

hope was on the horizon once more.

hope was on the horizon once more.

Leaving Arisaig Station, the train has turned north.

Leaving Arisaig Station, the train has turned north.

With just seven miles left,

With just seven miles left,

the train has left the mountains behind,

the train has left the mountains behind,

but the landscape is just as scenic.

but the landscape is just as scenic.

The steam train is heading towards a vast open coastline...

The steam train is heading towards a vast open coastline...

..stretching as far as the eye can see to the Atlantic...

..stretching as far as the eye can see to the Atlantic...

..stretching as far as the eye can see to the Atlantic...

..and the Western Isles on the horizon.

..and the Western Isles on the horizon.

On the approach to Morar Station we cross the Morar River.

On the approach to Morar Station we cross the Morar River.

On the approach to Morar Station we cross the Morar River.

To the east, Britain's shortest river flows for less than a mile

To the east, Britain's shortest river flows for less than a mile

To the east, Britain's shortest river flows for less than a mile

past another gorgeous white sand beach.

past another gorgeous white sand beach.

And to the west, Loch Morar stretches for 12 miles.

And to the west, Loch Morar stretches for 12 miles.

And to the west, Loch Morar stretches for 12 miles.

The waters of Britain's deepest loch sink down over 300m.

The waters of Britain's deepest loch sink down over 300m.

The waters of Britain's deepest loch sink down over 300m.

Plenty of room for a mythical beast called Morag.

Plenty of room for a mythical beast called Morag.

Plenty of room for a mythical beast called Morag.

Morag is considerably more shy than her more famous relative Nessie -

Morag is considerably more shy than her more famous relative Nessie -

Morag is considerably more shy than her more famous relative Nessie -

the Loch Ness Monster.

According to Highland folklore, the half-human, half-fish creature

According to Highland folklore, the half-human, half-fish creature

According to Highland folklore, the half-human, half-fish creature

appears when the Morar clan is defeated in battle.

appears when the Morar clan is defeated in battle.

appears when the Morar clan is defeated in battle.

Which means Morag would have been at the height of her appearance

Which means Morag would have been at the height of her appearance

Which means Morag would have been at the height of her appearance

during the rebellion.

As the train passes Loch Morar,

As the train passes Loch Morar,

passengers can spot an island that's a final reminder

passengers can spot an island that's a final reminder

of the dark days after Culloden.

of the dark days after Culloden.

Like Bonnie Prince Charlie, many rebels went into hiding.

Like Bonnie Prince Charlie, many rebels went into hiding.

Like Bonnie Prince Charlie, many rebels went into hiding.

One of them, Lord Lovat,

One of them, Lord Lovat,

took refuge on this isolated island - Eilean Ban.

took refuge on this isolated island - Eilean Ban.

But in 1747, after he was captured by English forces,

But in 1747, after he was captured by English forces,

But in 1747, after he was captured by English forces,

Lord Lovat entered the history books as the last person

Lord Lovat entered the history books as the last person

to be publicly beheaded in Britain.

to be publicly beheaded in Britain.

TRAIN HOOTS

On the last leg of our journey,

On the last leg of our journey,

the train hugs the rugged Atlantic coastline all the way to Mallaig.

the train hugs the rugged Atlantic coastline all the way to Mallaig.

the train hugs the rugged Atlantic coastline all the way to Mallaig.

Despite Lord Lovat's grisly end,

Despite Lord Lovat's grisly end,

his legacy lives on in the port,

his legacy lives on in the port,

where he encouraged his tenants to relocate and pursue fishing.

where he encouraged his tenants to relocate and pursue fishing.

where he encouraged his tenants to relocate and pursue fishing.

By the time of the Second World War, Mallaig had established itself

By the time of the Second World War, Mallaig had established itself

as the busiest herring port in Europe.

as the busiest herring port in Europe.

But the fortunes of Mallaig waxed and waned,

But the fortunes of Mallaig waxed and waned,

with shoals of herring that didn't always turn up

with shoals of herring that didn't always turn up

where and when they were expected to.

where and when they were expected to.

Today, steam trains have returned and brought fame back to the region.

Today, steam trains have returned and brought fame back to the region.

Today, steam trains have returned and brought fame back to the region.

The Jacobite Railway brings in tens of thousands of people

The Jacobite Railway brings in tens of thousands of people

from all over the world every year...

from all over the world every year...

..all of them eager for their own taste

..all of them eager for their own taste

of the mystery and the magic of the Hogwarts Express.

of the mystery and the magic of the Hogwarts Express.

of the mystery and the magic of the Hogwarts Express.

And there's one last tale to tell.

And there's one last tale to tell.

After fleeing the mainland,

After fleeing the mainland,

the Prince met Flora MacDonald.

the Prince met Flora MacDonald.

She risked her own life out of compassion for a fugitive

She risked her own life out of compassion for a fugitive

who had staked everything on his bid to win a kingdom and lost.

who had staked everything on his bid to win a kingdom and lost.

who had staked everything on his bid to win a kingdom and lost.

Flora disguised the Prince as an Irish maid

Flora disguised the Prince as an Irish maid

and helped him to escape on a boat to the safety of Skye.

and helped him to escape on a boat to the safety of Skye.

and helped him to escape on a boat to the safety of Skye.

But Flora was arrested and jailed in the Tower of London for treason.

But Flora was arrested and jailed in the Tower of London for treason.

But Flora was arrested and jailed in the Tower of London for treason.

Her act of bravery in support of the Prince

Her act of bravery in support of the Prince

has come to symbolise Scotland's resistance to the English Crown.

has come to symbolise Scotland's resistance to the English Crown.

has come to symbolise Scotland's resistance to the English Crown.

The Prince did eventually escape to France...

The Prince did eventually escape to France...

..but he would never be King of England or Scotland.

..but he would never be King of England or Scotland.

..but he would never be King of England or Scotland.

As our adventure draws to a close...

As our adventure draws to a close...

..it's an opportunity to reflect on one of the greatest

..it's an opportunity to reflect on one of the greatest

steam train journeys in the world...

steam train journeys in the world...

..through the drama of the Highlands...

..through the drama of the Highlands...

..and the history of Scotland.

..and the history of Scotland.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media