Train services between Inverness and the Central Belt are cancelled as Network rail announces closure of Highland main line after freight train collides with bridges between Pert and Dunkeld
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TRAINS on the Highland mainline have been cancelled after a freight train collided with bridges north of Perth.
Earlier this morning Network Rail announced disruption between Perth and Dunkeld and Birnam with further disruption expected for the afternoon.
Network Rail posted on Twitter: "Earlier today, a container on a freight train came into contact with three bridges over the railway between Perth - Dunkeld. The Highland Mainline has been closed as a safety precaution while engineers inspect the structures for any damage. We’ll reopen the line as soon as we can."
The southbound line was reopened shortly before 2pm and more updates will follow.
North West and Central Sutherland councillor, Michael Baird, was on the 10.32am train from Edinburgh to Inverness and saw his train being terminated at Perth.
He said: "As far as we know we were told as we were approaching Perth that is some vehicle had hammered into one of the bridges further north and that engineers were going to have a look. They said they couldn't take the risk of the train going any further until they had the all clear from the engineering team.
"They offered us two alternatives: either getting a bus to Inverness or getting the 12.45 to Aberdeen arriving into Inverness at 6pm.
"Then I will have another hour journey to get back home."
Mr Baird had almost reached Aberdeen at the time of writing.
More information can be found at www.scotrail.co.uk or at twitter.com/NetworkRailSCOT
