The iconic Flying Scotsman’s scheduled journey across Somerset was cancelled on July 11 due to record-breaking heat and a track incident. Operating between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead during June and July, the famous steam locomotive faced operational challenges as temperatures reached 32°C in Bishops Lydeard, with forecasts predicting even hotter conditions.
West Somerset Railway chairman Jonathan Jones explained the cancellation stemmed from concerns for staff safety amid extreme heat and a trackwork incident that occurred on July 10. “Ensuring safe working conditions for our team during such high temperatures is paramount,” Jones said. He acknowledged the disappointment felt by customers but stressed the difficult decision was necessary for safety reasons.
Due to the heat, essential rail repairs could not be conducted during daytime hours, prolonging operational disruptions. To address this, maintenance teams worked overnight when temperatures cooled, aiming to resume normal services on Saturday, July 12. Additionally, the railway plans to offer extra trips on Sunday, July 13, allowing passengers affected by Friday’s cancellation another opportunity to experience the famed train ride.
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The Flying Scotsman holds a special place in railway history, having completed the first continuous London to Edinburgh journey in 1928 in eight hours and breaking the 100mph speed barrier during a 1934 test run. After retiring from regular service in 1963, it underwent a £4.2 million restoration project in 2015 to return it to operational condition.