Scotland’s iconic Glenfinnan viaduct, as featured in the Harry Potter films, joined the list of railway landmarks across the UK that have turned blue to show public support for NHS staff treating coronavirus patients.
Illumination of the 21-arch viaduct on the West Highland line, between Fort William and Mallaig, was organised by events company The Stage Group and echoes wider similar activities undertaken by the entertainment industry in this unprecedented state of enforced inaction.
Martin Whyte of the Stage Group said: “We feel a huge sense of responsibility for the mental well being of many people within our industry, who have lost their jobs and have nothing to do. Lighting the Viaduct gives us something practical to focus on and utilises our skills for something that will be appreciated by all of our key workers.
“Glenfinnan viaduct is iconic for the village, for Scotland and across the world and it has long been my ambition to light it up. What better time than now to make this happen as a gesture of solidarity with the front-line NHS staff who are risking their own health to help others during this pandemic.”
Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail, added: “We are delighted to be working with the Stage Group to illuminate Glenfinnan Viaduct as a gesture of support for the vital and fantastic work that the NHS is doing to help tackle the coronavirus.
“We are grateful to those in the NHS and all of the key workers across the country who are playing, and will continue to play, a massive role in supporting us all as the country continues to respond to this pandemic.”
The illumination of Glenfinnan viaduct came as people across the country once again joined in a mass round of applause at 20:00 on Thursday 2 April to thank NHS staff for their work.
1 Trackback / Pingback