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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robyn Bell

Excited Edinburgh locals get the chance to glimpse iconic Flying Scotsman train

The Flying Scotsman is set to return to Edinburgh's Waverly Station in July to mark 100 years since the iconic locomotive entered service.

The world’s most famous steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman has circumnavigated the globe, it has been across America and Australia and was the first engine to do 100 miles an hour authentically.

However, with its return to the capital fans have been asked to be as safe as possible when trying to catch a glimpse or get photos of the world famous train.

There is no timetable for when the Flying Scotsman is set to arrive in Edinburgh Waverly, but it has been confirmed it will be at some point on Saturday, July 1.

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Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built for LNER, the locomotive was named “Flying Scotsman” in 1923 and continued in regular service until 1963.

As part of the Centenary celebrations organised by the National Railway Museum, the locomotive is hauling a number of steam specials organised by the Railway Touring Company.

‘The Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender’ is the highlight of the programme. Passengers on board will enjoy a one-off tour behind the unique and historic locomotive which spans 5 days, starting in London kings cross on Friday heading up the east coast main line to York.

Saturday will see the train continue from York through Newcastle and passing through the stunning scenery of the Borders before reaching Edinburgh.

Monday sees the locomotive heading to Aberdeen and back to Edinburgh, before heading back down to London on Tuesday morning.

However, people wishing to view the famous train have been urged to be as safe as possible doing so.

A spokesperson for the service said: “The Railway Touring Company and the National Railway Museum appreciate there is considerable interest in locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman, but stress that anyone wishing to see Flying Scotsman hauling ‘The Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender’ train should do so from a safe and permitted place - trespassing along rail lines or into prohibited areas of railway stations is dangerous.

"It is vital that spectators do not venture onto the railway when Flying Scotsman is hauling ‘The Flying Scotsman Centenary Weekender’ train on the mainline as a full timetable of regular services will also be running. For safety, keep away from the railway line.

"To avoid overcrowding and incidents of trespass and to assist the British Transport Police and Network Rail, The Railway Touring Company and the National Railway Museum will not publish details of Flying Scotsman’s route or journey times – this includes positioning moves.”

A Network Rail spokesperson added: “Seeing Flying Scotsman is an exciting event for many people and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the occasion, so we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safe at the same time.

“It’s vital that you watch from a safe distance and don’t go on or near the tracks. Trespassing on the railway is incredibly dangerous and can have devastating consequences, as well as being illegal. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 and be left with a criminal record.

“Please remember to watch from a distance and behave responsibly so that everyone is able to safely enjoy the sight of the historic locomotive.”

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