Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail warn of disruption after coldest UK temperatures for 26 years spark faults on the rail network

A DEEP freeze which sent temperatures lower than at any point for 26 years has led to "challenging" conditions on the rail network and widespread disruption on some routes.

Network Rail Scotland has warned of a number of points failures caused by the "extremely low temperatures overnight", which sent the mercury plunging as low as -22.9C in Braemar and below -21C in parts of the Highlands – making it the coldest night since 1995, and the chilliest February temperature since at least 1986.

Network Rail Scotland said: "We're responding to a number of points failures across the network caused by the extremely low temperatures overnight. Our Integrated Control team are coordinating response teams in conjunction with our four delivery units at Perth, Motherwell, Glasgow and Edinburgh."

ScotRail has warned that this has led to cancellations, delays and revisions to services between Inverness and Edinburgh/Glasgow that will last until at least midday. There is also disruption on the Inverness-Aberdeen line between Elgin and Keith which is also expected to continue until midday.

A train fault on the Far North Line has also led to some journeys terminating or starting from Lairg.

ScotRail added: "The extreme cold has affected signalling systems across the network. We're currently unable to run trains south of Perth, to or from Glasgow Queen Street or Edinburgh Waverley. We're also unable to run trains to/from Glasgow Queen Street or Edinburgh Waverley."

They continued: "Our services between Elgin and Keith are subject to delays and/or alterations. You can use ScotRail tickets and Smartcards on Stagecoach North services between Aberdeen and Inverness on routes #10, #35 and #37 though Dyce and Insch are not covered I'm afraid."

For the latest updates visit www.scotrail.co.uk

Related news: Brrrrr! Coldest February night since 1986

Related news: Police urge Highland residents not to travel after temperatures falls to -21C

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