Far North Line disruption reported after rain forces 40mph speed limit on route
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HEAVY rain was causing travel misery for rail passengers in the Highlands on Monday morning.
In response to the forecast, which is predicting heavy rain for much of Monday and Tuesday, Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail have announced the introduction of reduced speed limits on the Far North Line and the route between Inverness and Aberdeen.
The restrictions have introduced a maximum speed of 40mph, and this is expected to remain in place until 7pm on Tuesday.
The reduced speeds are expected to lead to widespread delays and the cancellation or revision of some services.
A ScotRail spokesman said: "Speed restrictions due to forecast heavy and prolonged rainfall between Aberdeen & Inverness, Inverness & Wick and Aberdeen & Montrose means changes to some services this morning.
"Our Edinburgh/Glasgow to Aberdeen, [and] Aberdeen to Inverness services will be delayed and we've had to suspend our Inverness-Elgin and Inverurie-Montrose local services.
"If you're affected by this, you can use ScotRail tickets and Smartcards on Stagecoach North services between Inverness-Aberdeen (10, 10B, 31, 35 and 37). I'm afraid Insch station isn't covered by these arrangements.
"You can also now use your ScotRail tickets or Smartcard on Stagecoach North buses between Inverness and Wick (25, 25X, 27, 28, 82, X98)."
They added: "Services from Inverness to Wick will be delayed and will not call at Thurso, services from Wick to Inverness will call at Thurso however will be delayed."
Network Rail Scotland added: "If you're planning to travel over the next few days, please check with your operator before heading out, as some services may be disrupted."
