ScotRail cites cleaning 'challenges' with 'remote locations' after Ross-shire passenger's disappointment over mud-covered windows on stunning route

ScotRail has acknowledged "challenges" keeping train windows clean in more remote locations in responding to a Plockton passenger who couldn't see anything outside on the Kyle train line due to the thick mud.

On one of the most stunning railway journeys in the UK, passengers were disappointed to find that they couldn't see a thing out of the carriage windows due to thick dirt on the windows of both sides of the carriage.

Kathleen MacRae posted the photos from her train journey from Inverness to Plockton on November 14 onto Facebook. She captioned the photos: "This was the lovely view people could get on either side of the train."

The post gained lots of attention from locals, and sparked commentary on the issue, with other regular passengers stating that they experienced the same issue.

One commenter said: "That's awful, and it's such a scenic journey – I'd have been raging and asking for a refund!"

Another stated: "It’s hardly a great advert for a route used heavily by tourists. This time of year is very challenging for keeping railway rolling stock clean because of a combination of freezing temperatures and leaf fall, but there ought to be a way of keeping on top of it."

ScotRail said that it is aware there can be challenges with keeping the windows clean on some of their trains in more "remote locations".

It said quite often trains are stabled in these locations and it can be a few days before they are then recycled through a depot, and so are nowhere near a wash plant.

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ScotRail cited the recent spell of "extremely wet weather" not helping the situation, however, they say that they are working hard to make sure every opportunity is taken to clean the platform-side windows.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “ScotRail sets very high standards for the cleanliness of our trains and stations, which are cleaned regularly by our dedicated staff.

“We encourage customers who spot something that’s not quite right to speak to a member of staff or get in touch with us via our social media channels at the time, so we can deploy teams to fix at the earliest opportunity.

“We are confident the work we are doing will greatly improve the cleanliness of the carriage windows so customers can enjoy the magnificent scenery as they travel on their ScotRail service.”

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