Transport

ScotRail staff shortages are again causing disruption for train passengers travelling between Inverness and Caithness.

The A9 is set to be closed in several locations in Caithness and Sutherland next month as works are carried out to improve the road surface.

Overnight closures on the A9 northbound are set to take place from April 24.

Repairs to Struie High Bridge was subject to council repairs.

Vital infrastructure improvements that could transform the reliability of trains in the northern Highlands appear to be in limbo.

Hopes cycling and luggage capacity could be dramatically increased on railway services in the north Highlands seem to have been dashed by rail chiefs.

A lack of progress in reopening a Highland railway station that was temporarily shut in a row over access, is “concerning”, say local politicians.

Once work starts on the A9 Tomatin to Moy stretch there will be no let up until dualling is complete from Perth to Inverness say Transport Scotland.

Essential improvement works on the A9 near Inverness are set to begin on Tuesday for nine nights.

The news comes as the company posted an operational loss of £4.9m in its latest annual report.

The A836 will be closed at Lairg Railway Station later this month while a refit is carried out on the level crossing, Highland Council has warned.

Train services to and from Inverness have been hit by a combination of flooding, a shortage of train drivers and signalling failures

A spate of cancellations due to lack of crew during the Easter break is ‘a blow to Highland businesses’ at the start of the tourist season.

British Transport Police responded to an incident in Easter Ross on Saturday and ScotRail has warned of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

A Met Office yellow warning for gale-force winds in parts of the Highlands has been extended until midnight. It was originally meant to expire at 3pm.

THE Scottish Government’s decision to provide free rail travel for blind and partially sighted people and their companions has been hailed.

A former champion of Gaelic culture and language is taking up a new role to help improve public transport in the Highlands.

Ferry crossings in the Minch will be out of action until at least Monday after Storm Kathleen began battering the west coast.

The warning comes into force on Sunday amid forecasts of gales up to 60mph in many western areas of the region.

Most Ullapool-Stornoway ferry sailings were cancelled on Saturday and Sepa flood alerts have been issued as Storm Kathleen approaches.