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ruperts_babe · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2004, 12:23 AM

[img]http://www.snitchseeker.com/images/news/hp_grandpre_80.jpg' align='middle'> Harry Potter to boost Scotland's tourist industry -

Summary:
Scotland is hoping that the filming of Harry Potter will boost it's tourist industry.

Article:

Thanks to Wizardnews

Quote:

While the latest Harry Potter film is breaking records around the globe, it is also having a 'wizard' effect on the Scottish tourist industry. With Highland scenery featuring more strongly than before, enthusiasts are flocking to see where the movie was made.

As Hogwart's Express sets the world's cinema screens alight for the third time, young fans are desperate to make the magical journey themselves. They are flocking to ride on the Jacobite Steam Train which takes them through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery in the heart of Harry Potter country.

Scottish author and train enthusiast Ian Banks sent the popular summer season trip on its daily way from Fort William to Mallaig. He said: "I am a big fan of Lochaber and the west coast in general and this just goes through some of the most fabulous scenery you can get. I think it is shown by the fact that they use it a lot in so many films, and specifically in the Harry Potter films."

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the main highlights of the trip - attracting Potter fans from around the world.

One passenger said: "We were actually supposed to go down to England about three days ago, but we decided that we wanted to ride the Harry Potter train so badly that we delayed our trip down to England and we are riding the train now."

"It's 'cause it's the Harry Potter train and because we like to go over the viaduct", added another

Frank Santrian, the driver of the Jacobite train is also behind the controls of Hogwarts Express and says the attraction has been a runaway success. He said: "It started to pick up a lot last year, It was full every day. In fact we were having to turn them away.

The stunning Scottish scenery featured in the film is one of the main attractions for tourists on the Harry Potter train journey. While it may not take passengers to Hogwarts, it does promise a truly magical experience.

Scotland Today

Ziggy · 06-08-2004, 02:15 AM

My sister lived in Scotland for a while!

I really wanted to visit her but I was unable to. However she raved about it, Harry or not I would love to visit!

She also went to the Cafe where J.K. wrote the first book and sent me a card from it... hehe. It's called the Blue Elephant... I really want to visit there. Plus England just rocks, my heritage is the British Isles rolled into one. lol

EmmaRiddle · 06-08-2004, 10:58 AM

Quote:

I really want to visit there.

Sadly, the cafe where JK once wrote in is now a Chinese restaurant. Silly notion really, one would've thought it a British Landmark, or it should have been.