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Friday 8 May 2026

£6m upgrades on the Far North Line over three weeks in June

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is set to carry out major engineering work worth £6m on the Far North Line next month to help improve journeys on one of the Highlands’ most important transport routes. 

The Far North Line supports everyday travel for local residents, is popular with visitors, and connects Scotland's most northerly communities with the Central Belt via Inverness.

As part of Network Rail's commitment to improving reliability, upgrades will take place at several locations including between Evanton, Tain, and Lairg, and on sections north of Tain towards Wick and Thurso.

Engineers will be renewing more than 4 km of track, carrying out repairs to a railway bridge over Craigory Burn near Edderton, improving drainage, and maintaining the level crossing at Rogart.

In order for the work to be completed safely and efficiently, no trains will run between Dingwall and Wick from late on Sunday, 7 June, until early on Monday, 29 June. During this time, ScotRail will operate a rail replacement plan. Other public transport options are available, and passengers are encouraged to check Traveline for journey options.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re committed to continually improving the railway in the north of Scotland, and have a multi-year programme of investment in the Far North Line to help make journeys safer and more reliable. This year’s work includes significant upgrades on a key section of the route that will help keep services running smoothly.

“We know there’s never an ideal time to close any part of the railway, but by bringing this work together into a single planned closure, we can work more efficiently and avoid multiple shorter disruptions across the year.

“The Far North Line is a vital route for local communities and visitors alike, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we deliver this important work.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know how important the Far North Line is to the communities it serves, and while this work means some temporary disruption, it’s a vital investment in the long-term future of the route.

“We’re committed to keeping our customers moving throughout the works, with replacement buses in operation along the route. We’re grateful for our customers' patience and understanding and look forward to welcoming them back on board when the works complete.”

Passengers are asked to check the latest information before setting off. Journey details will be available at scotrail.co.uk or nationalrail.co.uk.