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Monday 8 Dec 2025

Passengers urged to check before travelling as Storm Bram approaches

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is advising passengers in Scotland to plan ahead and check their journeys before travelling on Tuesday, as Storm Bram brings heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the country. 

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind in northwest Scotland, where gusts could reach up to 90mph on Tuesday night. Yellow warnings for wind and rain cover the rest of the country. 

These strong winds could bring down trees and blow other debris onto the tracks, while heavy rain also increases the risk to railway infrastructure, causing flooding and landslips.  

To keep passengers and railway staff safe, trains will run at reduced speeds in some areas from Tuesday into Wednesday. Safety measures will continue to be reviewed and updated as necessary. 

• From early Tuesday morning: Reduced speeds on parts of the West Coast Main Line and routes between Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries & Galloway due to heavy rainfall. 
• From Tuesday afternoon: Speed restrictions on the Mallaig Line, Oban Line, and West Highland Line, remaining in place into Wednesday morning. 

• From Tuesday evening: Similar limits on the Far North Line and sections of the Highland Main Line and Aberdeen–Inverness route, continuing until early Wednesday. 

Network Rail’s meteorologists are closely monitoring forecasts and supporting preparations across the railway. Inspections are being stepped up to identify and reduce potential hazards ahead of the storm.   

Additional teams will be on standby throughout, including chainsaw-trained staff ready to respond quickly to any trees or debris blown onto the tracks.  

Once the storm has passed, engineers will inspect the closed lines for any damage. Network Rail Scotland’s helicopter will assist teams on the ground to complete essential checks across the network as quickly as possible.  

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland said: “Storm Bram is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, which could disrupt the railway. Our top priority is keeping passengers and staff safe, and we’re already working hard behind the scenes to prepare. 

“Teams are carrying out extra inspections and putting contingency plans in place, with staff ready to respond quickly to any damage throughout the storm. We’ll be monitoring conditions closely and doing everything we can to keep people moving safely. 

“We’re asking passengers to check their journey before travelling on Tuesday and stay up to date with the latest information.” 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is our absolute priority, and with Storm Bram expected to bring severe weather, we’re advising customers to plan ahead and check their journey before setting off. 

“Speed restrictions will be in place across parts of the network, and while this may mean some journeys take a little longer, these steps are essential to keeping everyone safe. 

 “We’ll have staff working around the clock to support Network Rail’s efforts and to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so. We’d encourage customers to use the ScotRail app, website, or follow our social channels for the latest travel information.” 

Follow @NetworkRailSCOT on X  for the latest updates. For more information on any changes to services, check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with your train operator.