Media centre

Wednesday 18 Oct 2023

Customer update: Red weather warning will mean line closures for Northern Scotland

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland’s Railway will close several lines in the north and north-east of Scotland on Thursday and Friday as Storm Babet is expected to bring severe weather to parts of the country.

Speed restrictions will also be introduced on lines in central and eastern Scotland to help keep people safe during the storm, which is expected to bring torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 70mph to the north of Scotland.

The extreme weather means that the following routes will be closed on Thursday and Friday:

• Perth – Aberdeen via Dundee
• Perth – Aviemore (Highland Mainline)
• Perth – Dunblane
• Aberdeen – Elgin (Aberdeen – Inverness line)
• Tain – Wick/Thurso (Far North Line)
• Fife Circle services

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning due to the torrential rain that’s forecast across Angus and south Aberdeenshire from Thursday until Friday afternoon. Those in areas impacted by the red warning are being strongly advised not to travel.

Amber winds warnings have also been issued, with very strong winds expected on the east coast and far north of Scotland, which could uproot trees and blow them onto the tracks, damaging railway infrastructure.

Engineers will inspect the affected lines on Saturday morning for any damage, and will reopen them as soon as it’s safe to do so. Scotland’s Railway will use a combination of locomotives, foot patrols and helicopter inspections to do this.

A revised timetable will be in place across central and eastern areas of Scotland’s Railway on Thursday and Friday due to the extended journey times that the speed restrictions will bring.

These changes are being put in place as a precaution against potential flood damage to the railway as heavy rain can cause landslips onto the tracks or wash the stone ballast away from beneath the rails.

Extra engineers are being deployed across Scotland’s Railway to inspect lines, repair damage, and reopen routes as quickly as possible for passengers and freight customers once the weather clears on Saturday.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “Our top priority is the safety of our passengers and colleagues, so we’ll close lines in the worst affected areas and introduce speed restrictions in others as a precaution.

“Our engineers will thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services.

“Weather specialists, based in our control room, will monitor conditions closely throughout Thursday and Friday, and our teams on the ground will be ready to deal with any issues Storm Babet may cause.”

Passengers should check their journey before travelling at National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.