WEATHER UPDATE: Travel disruption expected on trains, roads and ferries in the Highlands and Moray
Disruption is set to hit train lines across the Highlands and Moray as extreme weather brought by Storm Bert has prompted the introduction of reduced speed in the area.
The Highland Mainline, West Highland Line and Far North Line will all be impacted as amber and yellow warnings for strong winds, heavy snow and rain and falling temperatures are set to last between today and tomorrow.
Ten trains between Inverness and Elgin have been cancelled today, with delays expected on other routes throughout the day.
When is #StormBert expected to arrive where you live?
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 22, 2024
Here is the latest forecast for the storm track ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/ybWcd0BlNO
Ross Moran, route director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “Storm Bert will bring extreme weather that will impact some services in Scotland.
“To keep passengers and colleagues safe, we need to slow trains down on several lines across the country from first thing on Saturday.
“In the meantime, our engineers are carrying out extra checks in areas known to be at risk from the elements. We’ll have more staff than normal on duty to remove fallen trees and debris from the track, as well as to tackle frost and flooding.
“Some journeys will take longer than normal and we advise passengers to plan ahead. We will remove speed restrictions as soon as we can and we thank passengers for their patience.”
Passengers due to travel on Sunday or on Monday morning when the storm has passed should check their journey at nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator before travelling.
Motorists are also advised caution on roads due to the adverse weather conditions, with gritters active earlier today to clear the roads.
Bus services could be potentially delayed and, due to freezing temperatures, all of Stagecoach Highland’s service 30s from Aviemore will terminate at Glenmore, with updates expected throughout the day.
Ferry services have also been impacted: CalMac’s 7am and 2.30pm services from Stornoway and the 10.30am ferry from Ullapool have been cancelled, with the 6.30pm sailing from Ullapool liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice. A review is expected at around 2pm.
Northlink ferries operating in the Pentland Firth for today’s afternoon have now been cancelled due to adverse weather.
