ScotRail has announced that a number of lines are closing due to severe weather conditions being brought across the country thanks to Storm Amy.
Heavy rain and high winds will bring the potential for widespread disruption on Friday evening.
An amber weather warning is in place from 5pm on Friday 3rd October until 9 am on Saturday morning/
The following lines will close from 18.00 on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain:
- Mallaig – Fort William.
- Fort William – Crianlarich.
- Inverness – Aberdeen.
- Inverness – Wick / Thurso.
- Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Perth – Inverness.
ScotRail is also saying that no rail replacement buses will be in operation and passengers need to plan ahead.
Tickets marked 3rd October can be used on the 2nd, 4th and 5th October.
“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so.
“The Met Office Amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway.
“We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.
“We’d encourage everyone to check their journey before travelling and to keep an eye on our website, app, or social media channels for the latest updates.
“If you have a ticket for travel on Friday, you can use it today (Thursday), Saturday, or Sunday.”
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director
Responses
Oh dear, once again, the railways grind to a halt at the mere suggestion of some wind. Wind is pretty usual in October and railways used to keep on running unless and until conditions got really vicious – which was VERY unusual.
Now, railways are shut down at the drop of a hat.
I think part of the reason for this is the mantra “safety is always our top priority”. If that was truly the case, no trains would run ever – because any train movement carries some risk. Running trains should be the railways’ top priority with safety of course being a very important consideration. All human activity carries some risk – and we all continually weigh up the risk against the benefits from the activity. The country will not be able to function if we automatically stop doing things if there is any perceived risk.