Far North Line reopens after earlier landslip blocked section between Dingwall and Inverness
Rail services are returning to normal in the far north after days of disruption linked to torrential rain – but some services were still impacted first thing on Wednesday.
In an update in the early hours of Wednesday, ScotRail confirmed that a section of line between Dingwall and Inverness had reopened. It followed flooding and a landslip near Muir of Ord that sparked widespread cancellations on the Far North and Kyle lines on Monday and Tuesday.
However, although the line has fully reopened, some services were still cancelled first thing on Wednesday as the network returns to normal.
The 6.13am service from Ardgay to Inverness and 6/26am train from Lairg to Inverness were both cancelled, with a minibus replacement setting off from Lairg at 6.26am to cover both trains, and calling at all interim stations.
The 7am Inverness to Wick train was also disrupted, with it starting instead from Dingwall. A D&E coach replacement was operating from Inverness to Dingwall and on to Wick if required.
A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Train services between Inverness and Wick are returning to normal but some services will still be cancelled, delayed or revised.
"Following the poor weather conditions we have experienced over the past few days the line has reopened today (Wednesday) between Inverness and Dingwall following flooding and landslips."
Meanwhile, motorists were facing some disruption on the roads, with heavy snow showers leading to slippery conditions on many Highland routes, although none were closed at the time of writing.
A Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in force across the whole of the Highlands until midday on Wednesday.