Storm Pia sparks suspension of many Highland ScotRail journeys
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Rail services on numerous Highland lines will be suspended on Thursday due to Storm Pia's forecast 80mph winds.
ScotRail confirmed shortly after 4pm on Wednesday that it will suspend services on four Highland lines on Thursday "until the tracks can be safely inspected".
The affected routes are the Far North and Kyle Lines, the Inverness-Aberdeen line between the Highland capital and Inverurie, and the West Highland Line.
Related: Train cancelled after lorry hit railway bridge in Inverness
The suspensions mean the only trains running in and out of Inverness on Thursday look set to be via the Highland Mainline. However, even those services face potential disruption after Network Rail Scotland announced it would be putting in reduced speed limits on that route as a safety precaution.
Confirming the suspensions, ScotRail said: "Extreme strong winds are on the way (60-80mph) and are forecast to hit much of the country overnight and into tomorrow (Thursday).
"To keep people safe, the decision has been taken to suspend services on a number of routes tomorrow (Thursday).
"Tomorrow, the following train services will be suspended until the tracks can be safely inspected – West Highland (including Oban and Mallaig), Kyle of Lochalsh, Far North, Inverness - Inverurie.
"Replacement transport is limited due to the time of year, so before you head out, please ensure you can complete your entire journey – use the ScotRail app or Journey Check for the latest service information."
The decision to suspend services comes as the region braces itself for the arrival of Storm Pia, with a Met Office yellow warning for high winds set to run across the whole of Scotland from midnight tonight until 9pm on Thursday.
