Train disruption and cancellation warning after Met Office amber warning for torrential rain
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Rail passengers in the Highlands have been warned to expect possible disruption this weekend after speed restrictions were announced following an amber weather alert.
The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings for rain across large swathes of the Highlands, and especially in the west.
The alerts, which come into force on Saturday evening and Sunday at midnight, have prompted Network Rail to take precautionary action. Up to 200mm may fall in some places, with even 100mm predicted "widely".
Speed restrictions will be in place on the Highland Mainline from first thing on Sunday morning until "at least" 3pm that same day.
Reduced limits will also be introduced on the Far North Line from first thing Sunday until at least 3pm on Sunday, and on the Kyle Line from the start of Sunday until at least 9am on Monday.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We’re expecting some extreme rainfall over the next few days, with the Met Office issuing both amber and yellow warnings for rain.
"We’ll put speed restrictions in place to help keep people safe on sections of the [mentioned] routes.
"Our specialist weather forecasters are based in our control room 24/7 and will be monitoring the weather closely as it moves in. If the weather does ease, we’ll be able to remove these earlier. Similarly, if the weather worsens, we may need to take further action.
"Thanks for your patience. We’re now working with our passenger and freight operators to see how these speed restrictions will affect train times. Please check your journey before you leave if you’re on an affected route."
There are also restrictions on lines elsewhere, with the West Highland Line between Glasgow and Mallaig/Oban, and the Wemyss Bay line between Port Glasgow and the Wemyss Bay terminus.
A ScotRail spokesperson added: "Please keep a close eye on the app and Journey Check [on the ScotRail website] for the latest service information."
Visit www.scotrail.co.uk for more details.
