Real-life ‘Hogwarts Express’ train comes to family’s rescue

A family stranded in the Scottish Highlands has been touched by some real-life magic when the train used in the Harry Potter films came to their rescue.

Jon and Helen Cluett and their four children were staying in Lochaber, a remote area in the western highlands, when their boat tied to a nearby hut was swept away by a swollen river.

"The burn was overflowing. The entire area was underwater. The rocks I'd tied the boat to were pulled apart and the boat was gone,” Mr Cluett told the BBC.

With a long and dangerous walk back to their car, Mr Cluett contacted police, who came up with a magical alternative.

To the family’s delight, the “Hogwarts Express” was dispatched to return them to safety.

The steam train, called The Jacobite, runs regular excursions through the Scottish countryside.

"The train is getting closer, we're running down, stuff bouncing everywhere, big smiles on the kid’s faces,” Mr Cluett said.

“It all started to be fun at that point.”

The family were dropped off at the next stop, where they were able to retrieve their car.

“The kids have certainly had an adventure. We’ve all had an adventure – a big thanks to everyone who helped us.”