Media centre

Thursday 4 Jun 2026

This weekend: Work starts on £6m Far North Line upgrade

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will begin major engineering work this weekend on the Far North Line with £6m worth of upgrades planned.  

It’s part of a multi-year programme of investment to support journeys on one of the Highland’s most important transport routes.

Improvements will be made at several locations between Evanton, Tain, and Lairg and on sections north of Tain towards Wick and Thurso. They include renewing more than 4km of track, repairs to a railway bridge near Edderton, improving drainage, and maintenance of a level crossing at Rogart.

To allow the work to be carried out safely and efficiently, there’ll be no trains between Dingwall and Wick from late on Sunday 7 June until early on Monday 29 June. ScotRail will operate a rail replacement plan during this time, with other public transport options also available.

Anyone planning to travel is urged to check their journeys in advance with Traveline.

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know the Far North Line is a lifeline for some of Scotland’s most remote communities and that’s exactly why we need to keep investing in it. This £6m project will help ensure the railway remains safe, reliable and fit for the future.

“We know closing the line for three weeks is an inconvenience, and we don’t take that lightly. But doing this work in one block means fewer disruptions later and a better railway overall for years to come. We’re grateful for people’s patience and encourage anyone travelling to check their journeys in advance.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service delivery director, said: “We know how important the Far North Line is to the communities it serves, and while these works will mean some temporary disruption, they are a vital investment in the long-term future of the route.

“We’ll support customers looking to travel during the works with rail replacement transport in place along the route, and we’re grateful for their patience and understanding while this important upgrade is delivered.”