It was intended to help open up this rural and remote part of the Scottish Atlantic coast, and the building of the line was heavily subsidised by the British Government.

In 2011, for the first time, WCR added a second daily The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig due to demand, using Ian Riley's Black 5 44871 and a spare set of coaches that were formerly used for The Cambrian.

[3] The future of The Jacobite was thrown into doubt in 2015 by the complete suspension of West Coast Railways' train operating company licence.

[4] Another suspension of service occurred in March 2024, with West Coast Railways attempting to seek exemption from the Office of Rail and Road from a requirement to install a central locking system to its carriages.

[9] The Jacobite runs a distance of 41 miles (66 km) between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through an area of great scenic beauty including alongside Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Arisaig.

A tune that takes its name from this line, Steam Train to Mallaig,[11] was composed by Mary-Ann MacKinnon[12] in 1993, and is extensively played by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards pipe band, including on their album Highland Cathedral.