SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE: Train services hit by heavy rainfall forecast to batter the Highlands
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Severe weather warnings have led London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to cancel Saturday services to and from Inverness.
Passengers planning on taking the 8.45 pm Caledonian Sleeper service from Inverness to London tonight are also being warned there will be a diversion via Aberdeen and that they may not be able to complete the journey beyond Edinburgh.
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LNER, which runs east coast mainline services from London to the north of Scotland, made the announcement this afternoon on social media.
Its 7.55 am service tomorrow from Inverness station to London Kings Cross, due in to the capital at 17:49, will now start from Perth.
It will no longer call at Aviemore, Kingussie or Pitlochry.
Similarly, tomorrow’s 9:23 am London Kings Cross to Inverness service, due in at 8.04 pm terminate at Perth, no longer calling at Pitlochry, Kingussie, Aviemore and Inverness.
An LNER spokesman said: “This is due to forecasted severe weather. We are advising customers not to travel.
“Alternative arrangements are currently being made and a further update will be provided once confirmed.
“We highly recommend that (passengers) make a new reservation for alternative LNER services.
“A full refund of any unused tickets can be obtained from the original point of purchase. If your journey is delayed you may be entitled to some compensation.
“We’re doing everything we can to get services up and running again and we're sorry for any disruption to journeys.”
The Caledonian Sleeper service from Inverness to London Euston tonight is still set to operate, but with warnings of potential disruption.
A spokeswoman said: “We are aware that the forecast has deteriorated resulting in the Met Office upgrading their weather warning from yellow to amber and they are advising people not to travel.
“Network Rail have also imposed blanket emergency speed restrictions across all of Scotland and the Highland Mainline will be closed from midnight tonight.
“Although this service is still operating, we will be diverting via Fife and Aberdeen due to the closure of the Highland Mainline and we may not be able to continue beyond Edinburgh tomorrow morning.
“Arrival to your final destination is likely to be significantly delayed.
“We have been advised that there will be no rail replacement travel provided due to the extreme conditions.
“Guests wishing to cancel and receive a full refund can do so by contacting us via Live Chat.
“If you do decide to travel, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to take you to your final destination due to these restrictions.”
