MP Jamie Stone calls on Network Rail to repair railway line from Helmsdale to Brora
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Far North MP Jamie Stone has urged the CEO of Network Rail to urgently repair what he called the "vital lifeline" from Inverness to the far north.
The far north railway line was damaged between Brora and Helmsdale during Storm Babet, leaving passengers facing significant disruption this week.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross has written to Andrew Haines asking him to ensure the railway line is inspected throughout the winter as more storms are forecast.
The aftermath of Storm Babet has left significant damage to the defensive structure that lies adjacent to the railway line and Mr Stone has urged Network Rail to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out as a matter of urgency.
ScotRail warned this morning that all services on the route could cancelled, delayed or revised until late tomorrow at the earliest.
Mr Stone said: "The railway from Inverness to Wick and Thurso is a vital lifeline to the far north of Scotland and, indeed, to Orkney and Shetland. It is also fundamental to the future of economic activity in the area, which is something all of us wish to ensure.
“It is imperative that Network Rail regularly inspect defensive structures along parts of the railway line, especially as winter approaches and more severe weather is expected. This must be treated with urgency.”
