Rail passengers advised to check before travelling as snow expected on lines out of Inverness

Rail passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling as more adverse weather moves across Scotland this week.

Rain, sleet, snow and strong winds are expected over the next few days, with the worst of it coming tonight into tomorrow and then on Wednesday into Thursday.

Tonight, 2-5cm of snow is expected on the lines out of Inverness and the highest sections of the West Coast Main Line and Borders Railway, with heavy rain then moving in from the southeast.

Tomorrow will be much drier, with maximum temperatures remaining low throughout the day and potentially dropping to minus 10 in the north, the West Coast Main Line and Borders Railway.

On Wednesday night into Thursday heavy, persistent rain and high winds will arrive in the southeast with snow on higher ground.

Network Rail’s engineers are working around-the-clock to de-ice key junctions, deploy locomotives with mini snow ploughs where necessary, and carry out other proactive measures to keep services running.

Liam Sumpter, route director, Network Rail Scotland, said: "The arrival of heavy rain, sleet, snow and high winds means that some services may be disrupted this week.

"Our specialist weather team will be monitoring conditions throughout the week, while our engineers complete essential preparatory maintenance and clearance work where required.

"Passengers should check their journey before travelling at National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator."

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