To set the scene for you there is a list of key dates followed by a brief description of the line from Fort William to Mallaig. Places of interest on the line are described along with suggestions as to how you might visit them. This information will be added as the web page is developed. Any suggested or additions or corrections will be gratefully received.

The object of the West Highland Line was to connect Fort William to the West Coast in order to tap the fishing industry. Landowners John Aird and Cameron of Lochiel settled on Mallaig Bay as a suitable site. The Mallaig line left the Banavie branch at Banavie Junction, the original Banavie station became Banavie pier. The proposed extension from Banavie junction through to Mallaig was 39 miles and 53 chains. A new breakwater was to be constructed at Mallaig as part of the scheme.

Engineers were Simpson and Wilson, contractors were Robert McAlpine & Sons, both firms of Glasgow. The head of Robert McAlpines was known as "Concrete Bob". Concrete was a relatively new material and gave construction costs 10 to 30% cheaper than stone work particularly as the local stone on this project was difficult to work.

For construction the line was reasonably accessible. A pier and workshops were built at Locheilhead. Camps were set up at Mallaig, Morar beach, Lochailort and Arisaig. The one at Lochailort housed 2000 of the 3500 navvies.

At first engineers hoped for 2 tunnels but eventually finished with 11. In the construction of tunnels power for air compressed rock drills was a problem. Water turbines were used. At Loch Dubh a 7ft high dam was built and water taken through a 21" pipe for 140 yards. to a turbine. From which compressed air which was taken via pipes to the rock drills.

Bridges were built in standard spans of 50 ft. The most spectacular is at Glenfinnan where the total span of 1248 feet is made up of 21 concrete arches each 100 feet high. A local story is that while under construction a horse and cart fell into one of the hollow pillars. It was so deep and difficult to remove that it was buried in situ. There are similar structures at Arnabal glen and Loch nam Uamh. Across the river Morar there is a 90 foot. span but the largest is across the Borrodale burn which has a clear span of 127 feet and 6 inches. This span is 86 feet high and has a rise of 22.5 feet.

100 cuttings were excavated

Brushwood was used to float the track across the bog at Keppoch Moss.

Mallaig harbour was constructed of concrete blocks. The station was built on a shelf of rock and a stone wall erected on the seaward side.

Sleeper crossings were provided instead of conventional over bridges as an economy measure.