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Tuesday 6 Jan 2026

Rail recovery continues in northern Scotland amid further snow warnings

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Work is ongoing to reopen railway lines in the north of Scotland after heavy snow forced multiple closures yesterday (Monday 5 January).

Rail services are now running between Inverness and Elgin, as well as Aberdeen and Dundee, and work is progressing to restore trains on the Far North Line. However, deep snowdrifts (up to 1.2m in places) continue to block the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh line and between Elgin and Aberdeen.

The Met Office has issued further amber weather warnings with more heavy snow expected to move east across central and northern Scotland today (Tuesday 6 January). A further 5-10cm is expected widely, with 15cm in some places.  

Network Rail teams have clocked up more than 4,000 hours tackling the severe conditions, using snow-clearing trains fitted with ploughs and other heavy-duty equipment to keep routes open and restore services as quickly as possible.

Network Rail Scotland also has its own team of meteorologists who monitor conditions in real time and provide railway-specific forecasts. Their expertise ensures the severe weather is anticipated and resources are deployed where they’re needed most.

Gary Hopkirk, route programme director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re dealing with particularly difficult weather conditions across the north of Scotland, and our teams are working tirelessly to restore services.

“The severity of the conditions has meant bringing in powerful snow-clearing equipment to keep routes open and tackle the worst affected areas.

“Keeping passengers and staff safe is the top priority and we won’t reopen lines until we’re confident it’s safe to do so. We appreciate the continued understanding and patience of customers while we manage the impacts of this severe weather.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We’d like to thank our colleagues at Network Rail for their continued efforts to restore services following the heavy snowfall, often working in extremely challenging conditions to clear routes and carry out vital safety checks.

“Safety is always our top priority, and trains can only operate once the line is reopen and it is safe to do so. We appreciate that continued disruption is frustrating, but these precautions are essential to protect customers and railway staff.

“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding. Anyone planning to travel should check their journey before setting off, allow some extra time for travel, and take care when out and about, particularly underfoot in icy conditions.”

For the latest travel information please visit www.scotrail.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk.

More details on how Network Rail handles snow and ice can be found here: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/delays-explained/snow-and-ice/