Storm damaged sea defences spark closure of Far North Line

Far North Line trains face disruption after stormy seas and coastal flooding damaged sea defences in Sutherland for the second time this winter.

The line between Brora and Helmsdale, which runs next to the beach in a number of places, has been closed due to the damage, amid ongoing warnings for coastal flooding amid spring tides and stormy seas.

Confirming the closure within the past hour, Network Rail Scotland said: "We’ve closed the Far North Line between Brora and Helmsdale, due to the railway's sea defences being damaged.

"A structural engineer is there now and we’re looking at what work needs to take place to reopen the line. We’ll share more soon."

ScotRail has warned people travelling on the Far North Line to expect cancellations or revisions and delays to services in the wake of the closure.

For the latest updates, visit www.scotrail.co.uk.

Related: Network Rail set to make urgent seawall repairs on Far North Line as major disruption to services continues between Inverness and Wick

Related: MP Jamie Stone calls on Network Rail to repair railway line from Helmsdale to Brora

Related: 'Extraordinary damage' to rail lines causes chaos for ScotRail passengers in the Highlands

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