THE world’s most famous steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman can be seen again in West Somerset on Saturday (September 19) for one day only.

The iconic Scotsman’s return comes a week ahead of the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) three-day autumn steam gala, which runs from September 25 to 27, and is part of the heritage line’s 50th anniversary year.

It is pulling a Derbyshire-based Fox and Edwards Events heritage excursion from Bristol Temple Meads to the WSR line in Bishops Lydeard, where a heritage diesel locomotive will haul it for part of the 20-mile journey to Minehead.

The sold out excursion, which will give passengers two hours before they start the return journey, is due to arrive in Minehead at 2 pm.

The Flying Scotsman pulling one of its last West Somerset Railway excursions on Sunday. PHOTO: Peter Mather.
The Flying Scotsman pulling one of its last West Somerset Railway excursions in 2025. ( Peter Mather)

The Scotsman last visited the WSR for two weeks in June and July of 2025 when it ran services between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard and also went on static display.

The WSR’s autumn gala features several visiting locomotives as well as some from its home fleet.

LMS Ivatt 2MT No 41313 will be visiting courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, and GWR 5101 Class No 4110 is being provided by the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

The Bahamas Locomotive Society has offered LNWR Coal Tank No 1054, while the Erlestoke Manor Fund is loaning two locomotives, GWR 78xx Class No 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ and GWR 78xx Class No 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’.

Thanks to Martin French, the gala will also include the Andrew Barclay 14’’ Saddle Tank No 2315 and Andrew Barclay Fireless Boots No 1.

The WSR’s own BR(WR) 78xx Class No 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ and Mogul No 9351 make up a line up which will see three days of intensive operations including double heading and banking of various services, brake van rides on a heritage goods train, and dining options.