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The Jacobite 2020

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by NeilL, Jan 7, 2020.

  1. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Especially in Glenfinnan.
     
  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Back on topic I think we will agree that leisure, tourism and hospitality all play a big part in the economy generally and especially in parts of the UK where there is not much else to enjoy. But, of course, the environment in these places is exactly why people go there and contribute to the local economy as they do.

    To my mind the Jacobite is several steps up from a typical heritage line in that it is an integral part of the life of the community. When the train arrives at Mallaig the locals are happy and the shops/eateries and other places do a brisk trade. Travel companies bring people to the trains and pre book space. So it is a big deal if the Jacobite doesn't run.

    I don't blame West Coast for keeping upbeat about the options as it looks for ways of keeping potential customers 'on the hook'. It is also, of course, a major income for the company itself and a big slice of their own business. That said, the Scottish Parliament has a tricky one to call on how, and when, to relax restrictions although my hunch is that it will be rather more sure-footed on this than Westminster.
     
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  3. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Is there such a thing as a typical heritage line? It's not just the WSR that is different :confused:, they're all different. But surely several of them do bring in trade to "shops/eateries and other places". What proportion of Whitby's business is from day trippers, and what proportions of them arrive by service train, NYMR train, and other forms of transport?
     
  4. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    Mallaig is not Whitby that already had a buoyant holiday trade. Mallaig was a fishing port and where people passed through to catch the ferry to the islands. I’ve been going every year since 2001 and I’ve seen the tea rooms double in size and new gift shops opening etc. In the summer two train loads of passengers arriving there with two hours to do nothing but spend money has done wonders for the local economy. I just hope all those new businesses can survive a year with virtually no income.
     
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  5. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    You need to study the NYM National Park Report on the Economy of Whitby (2015). They estimated 1.1 million daytrippers and 134000 overnight stayers in a year. My guess is rail might be doing 5 to 10% of that. But Whitby, Minehead, Porthmadoc and Mallaig are probably totally different from each other.
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2020
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  6. Sam 60103

    Sam 60103 Member

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    I think you could see the Scottish Government take a different direction to the UK Government. Whether that means a return to normality quicker than the rest of the UK or a slower return I trust the Scottish Government to get this right a lot more than the UK Government. I just hope we see steam in the west highlands again soon.
     
  7. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    More important study the ELR where a moribund area - especially Ramsbottom - was re-generated by its arrival. Railways such as the ELR, KWVR , NYMR and SVR to name but a few have become important economic drivers within their area hence their lockdown has both larger and wider ripples in the current situation.

    In terms of the WCRC Jacobite operation I well remember BR's attitude in 1984 when the initial service began and it confirmed that it did not expect to make a profit; when asked why introduce it then it was explained that steam operation was BR's contribution to the economic development of the area hence the area would profit; conversely its non-appearance will now cause a major economic downturn.
     
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  8. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I'm not so sure given past experience of the First Minister and her continuing antagonism towards Boris. Whilst her recent statements on courses of action have been conciliatory I fear her antagonism will result in her taking action more designed to score points against Boris than benefit the Scottish economy; recent comments by Ian Blackford tend to suggest the FM's attitude is shared by many in the SNP which may result in later problems that co-operation seeks to avoid. IMHO the Jacobite is a good measuring point against which to judge the balance of local consequence v Government policies and to date I fear for the local consequences.
     
  9. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    Much as I dislike Sturgeon I’m sure she is above childish point scoring. She does have a lot to be antagonistic about given the way Scotland had been sidelined by the Westminster clowns. Up to now they have been the only opposition but the ly now need to form alliance with Starmer to take Johnson to task over his constant bungling
     
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  10. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    I think I would trust the SNP to make a decision that is in Scotland's interests far more than Boris Johnson, as does most of Scotland judging by recent election results. But we digress.

    I too hope the Jacobite makes a return at some point this year, but only when the time is right. This judgment is the most important thing in the whole of this crisis as get it wrong and the current lockdown would be worthless and we could end up with an even bigger crisis. Politicians of every colour need to think logically, scientifically and not be swayed by short term financial figures.

    Above all, it does not make economic sense to reopen too soon if people start getting ill again.
     
  11. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    With no influx of visitors I think the Highlands are insulated from the worst of the virus and the islands even more so since Sturgeon quickly restricted travel ferries to the locals. Drop the restrictions too quickly and visitors may find they are not made very welcome
     
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  12. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

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    She
    One of the principal aims of the post-war Planning system had been to keep development in concentrations where it could be properly serviced and was accessible to all sections of the community. Her, or Nicholas Ridley's, "reforms" broke that and allowed out-of-town retail areas served by vast car parks and little else, to the permanent detriment of our town and city centres, and of public transport.
     
  13. 3ABescot

    3ABescot Member

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    Easier with a car, and look at the pollution, congestion and chaos it's causing.
     
  14. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    It was a natural progression with the increase in car ownership. All aspects of life evolve and shopping is no exception. The same people who complain about the demise of the high street are the same ones who don’t like people polluting the town’s with their cars.
     
  15. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Does it occur to you that with the increase in population and consumer wealth, the high street could no longer meet the demands therefore larger outlets had to be built. In the average small /medium town there was and still is no space.
     
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  16. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    As I said before, it makes more sense to have in place a plan to run trips that can be postponed if circumstances dictate, rather than no plan, then a scramble round to start organising things at short notice when circumstances permit.
     
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  17. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    That kind of advice needs to be available in Westminster, I think! :)
     
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  18. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    And have a look at Shearings coach holiday website, to name the first one I came to. WCR are just part of a much bigger picture.
     
  19. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    For those missing the Highlands
    Just noticed --- Channel 5 starting at 6pm --- Britains most scenic rail journey minute by minute ( and Ch 5 + 1 from 7pm )
     
  20. W.Williams

    W.Williams Well-Known Member

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    Well, it’s getting a bit heated.
    I haven't followed this closely enough to fairly pick a side, but for me the winner is the one displaying consistency.

    Then again, I know (because I live here) how fragile Scotland’s rural communities are and what risk this virus poses to older populations. Attracting the ususal tourist flows is deeply irresponsible.

    I think proximity is also going to be a concern. Sardine can travel is going to go I sincerely hope. Especially those disgustingly hot stuffy voyagers pumping rancid air in to the cabin and no fresh air.
    Increased cleaning is now an expectation from people, so WCRC are going to have to be wise to this too before they get going. It won’t be just business as usual. Tourism is going to feel different after this.

    I say after. I mean 2-3 years. I fear we have a long way to go yet.

    Just to digress just slightly. The Times (The London times no less) ran a front page with senior torys and Gideon Osborne of all folk praising the First ministers approach in Scotland!
    I couldn’t believe it. Before we know it the BBC will have her presenting Reporting Scotland at this rate.

    https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/0...Uddp88bTPJSQRriwpnVKoVvS6hqZ4mEqK1atDksytr9Ps
     

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