UPDATE: Most of Scotland's rail network ready to return to service but more disruption expected on the Inverness to Wick/Thurso Far North Line
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Train travellers could still face disruption on Wick/Thurso to Inverness services tomorrow (Friday) despite most of Scotland’s rail network reopening.
A mass around-the-clock safety exercise by Network Rail engineers today succeeded in clearing most of Scotland’s vast 1,752 miles of tracks after the flood damage and debris of Storm Gerrit.
Sections of track including some on the lines between Inverness and Aberdeen, Kyle of Lochalsh and Tain were able to commence service today.
Work is progressing well on the the Far North Line, but not yet complete.
Network Rail said teams had been inspecting routes across Scotland and re-opening sections of the track only where it was safe to do so.
Passengers are still being advised to check their journeys carefully before travelling tomorrow.
Water was discovered flowing quickly onto the track at Kirkton of Kinellar, near Dyce, on the Inverness to Aberdeen route and teams are working to divert the water and remove a significant amount of silt before full train services can resume.
Liam Sumpter, route director for Network Rail Scotland, said: “The heavy rain and high winds brought by Storm Gerrit have had a significant impact across Scotland’s Railway, with landslips, flooding and debris on the track in several locations.
“Our teams have working really hard to inspect the railway and carry out vital repairs, including flooding and debris removal work to make the lines safe for passenger services again.
“We will continue to work to re-open the remaining affected routes as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s customer operations director, said: "Storm Gerrit brought yellow weather warnings for high winds, rain, and snow across most of Scotland, which caused disruption to services across the network.
"Along with Network Rail colleagues, our teams have been working flat out to keep people moving where possible, but we faced extreme conditions in different parts of the country which resulted in significant disruption.
“The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority.
"We're sorry to customers who experienced disruption to their journey as a result of this storm.
"The vast majority of the network is now open.
“However, we'd encourage customers who plan to travel to check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”
