Broken down freight train sparks rail cancellations and delays on Inverness to Edinburgh/Glasgow services after blocking the Highland mainline near Carrbridge

HOURS of rail travel disruption are expected on the Highland mainline after a freight train broke down and blocked the track, ScotRail has warned.

The train, which broke down near Carrbridge – blocking the line between Aviemore and Inverness – has sparked the cancellation or early termination of services between the Highland capital and Edinburgh/Glasgow.

Warning that disruption is expected to last until around 2pm, a ScotRail spokesman added: "The train will need assistance so this is currently being looked into."

They also said that services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness will be "cancelled or start and terminate at Aviemore".

Some bus replacements for the Inverness-Aviemore legs are being sourced, with ScotRail confirming that one D&E coach is currently "making its way to Kingussie with an ETA of 11.15am".

The disruption followed earlier cancellations on the Inverness-Aberdeen line caused by flooding of the track between Dyce and the Granite City.

ScotRail has since confirmed that this track is now clear and that services are running uninterrupted again.

Related stories: Flooding sparks cancellations on Inverness-Aberdeen railway

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.