More misery for ScotRail travellers on Far North Line with services between Inverness and Wick to stay suspended after Storm Pia

More misery is in store today for train travellers on the Far North Line with services still suspended after severe weather.

While the rest of the Scottish rail network re-opened this morning after major disruption and cancellations, the route between Inverness and Wick/Thurso is to stay closed for safety reasons.

Passengers are strongly advised to check with National Rail or ScotRail before attempting to travel.

ScotRail announced cancellations on routes between Wick and Inverness from 06:18 this morning to 22:52 tonight.

Rail route speed restrictions were lifted across the country after ScotRail, Network Rail and specialist teams worked throughout yesterday to check lines and clear obstructions.

But a Network Rail spokesman said: "We need to inspect in daylight hours, but unfortunately the distances involved on the Far North Line meant it wasn't possible to complete yesterday.

"We’ll be using our helicopter to help speed this up, once #StormPia’s winds have calmed and the team can get airborne."

A ScotRail spokeswoman said: "Speed restrictions have now been lifted and all lines have re-opened with the exception of the line between Dingwall and Wick.

"Line proving will continue at first light, but until this has been concluded, services between Inverness and Tain, Ardgay, Lairg and Wick remain suspended on Friday 22nd December."

It was unclear whether rail replacement buses would be available, with National Rail saying they would be, in both directions, but the ScotRail spokeswoman adding: "We have requested replacement transport but we have been advised that availability is low because of the time of year.

"We would ask customers, where possible to either plan an alternative route or to delay travel until we're able to operate services again.

We are strongly advising customers to check their entire journey and make sure all connections can be maintained."

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