Jacobite Steam Train staff have honoured a man from Morar who has become a much-loved tourist attraction himself over the past four years.
Since Covid restrictions ended octogenarian Brian Wylie has ventured out most mornings rain, hail or shine to stand at Morar crossing with a home-made sign instructing all on board the West Highland puffer to “have a nice day”.
So impressed by the simple gesture, staff on the train began pointing Bryan out to passengers on the journey who responded by clapping and waving when they passed.
Guard Florence MacLean told us: “We always say to the passengers that if they look out to their left they will see Brian.
“We now have to apologise if he is not there for any reason.”
Such is the regard train staff have for Brian that on the Jacobite’s last journey of the season on Friday October 27 they arranged to have him taken up to Mallaig for a presentation of goodies, including a picture of himself with his sign taken from the train.
“Brian is a lovely gentleman and we just wanted to do something to show how much we appreciate what he does,” said Florence.
“We told him he was now part of the Jacobite family and I think he was chuffed with that.”
Brian was also given a complimentary ticket for the train next season and treated to his favourite meal of fish and chips at the old Fisherman’s Mission in Mallaig.
Originally from Norfolk, Brian has lived in Morar for just over eight years and started greeting trains just after Covid.
“People were looking a bit down in the mouth, so I started thinking of a way to cheer them up,” he told the Lochaber Times.
“When I lived in Shetland, I drove a bus and rather than put up not in service at the end of my shift, I put up have a nice day instead.
“It appealed to quite a few people so I thought I would make a sign and try it with the train.
“It seemed to go down well with the staff and passengers who all started waving back at me, so I decided to keep it up.
“That’s what makes it all worthwhile really. I think I get as much blessing from them as they do from me.”
Brian described his recent visit to Mallaig as “one of the nicest days of my life” and said he was looking forward to taking a trip on the train as he had never been on it.
“People started getting off and they were taking photographs. There was even a couple from Texas who wanted a photograph with me. It was all a bit surreal to be honest,” he added.
Now retired, Brian began his working life as a painter and decorator before joining the Royal Airforce as a mechanic/driver.
Since then he had numerous driving jobs as well as a spell working in the Fisherman’s Mission in Mallaig and the Shetland islands.
It is not only on his own doorstep that Brian spreads the cheer. For around 20 years he has made regular trips to Albania to take donations of clothing and school equipment for children in need.
“We need to spread a bit of love and kindness with all the fighting and hatred that goes on in the world now,” he concluded.