ScotRail’s resumption of mothballed Far North and Kyle services welcomed by MSP Maree Todd
The return of temporarily axed ScotRail services on the Far North and Kyle lines has been welcomed by a local MSP.
ScotRail confirmed last week that 10.41am Inverness-Wick and 4pm Wick-Inverness trains would be returning to the Far North Line’s weekday and Saturday timetables from the start of this week.
The 1.35pm Inverness-Kyle and 5.13pm Kyle-Inverness services have also returned.
The initial axing of the journeys occurred in July when staff shortages caused by fewer train drivers than normal being available for overtime or rest day working resulted in 590 services – 26 per cent of ScotRail’s operations – being cut temporarily.
But following feedback and a review of the timetable, ScotRail reinstated the four Far North and Kyle lines on Monday.
Commenting, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd said: “I welcome the decision taken by ScotRail to reinstate some services across the Highlands, particularly along the Far North Line, which will be a relief for locals and visitors alike.
“The impact of reduced train services running to and from Caithness cannot be overstated. I received emails from residents in the Far North of my constituency, who were hit hardest by the reduction of ScotRail services.
“This had a knock-on effect on other services, resulting in fully booked buses and disappointed travellers. The train service reduction also meant it was not possible to travel south after 1.30pm on a weekday due to the lack of any mode of public transport.
Maree Todd MSP added: “I wrote to ScotRail highlighting the challenges this created for residents in Caithness – particularly those who rely on train services to provide essential healthcare in the area.
“I am pleased to see that ScotRail has listened to the feedback and considered the impact that the temporary loss of these services had on rural communities, making the decision to reinstate services.”
Jamie Stone, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, and the Friends of the Far North Line have also welcomed the resumption of the services.
