ScotRail, LNER and Caledonian Sleeper axe all Highland train journeys during Storm Éowyn
No trains will run on Friday after rail operators said they will be locking down and bracing for Storm Éowyn.
Red ‘danger-to-life’ and amber warnings for gale force winds will be in force in Scotland on Friday and into Saturday.
The central belt is expected to see gusts of up to 100mph in places, while the Highlands and Moray, which will be subject to an amber warning, could experience speeds of up to 90mph.
There are also weather warnings in place for snow on higher ground.
With widespread disruption expected, ScotRail announced at 2pm that none of its rail services will run on Friday.
The announcement follows on earlier statement by LNER that none of its trains will run north of York.
And the Caledonian Sleeper has also confirmed that all of its services will also be axed tonight (Thursday) and Friday as a result of the storm.
It means no passenger trains will be running anywhere in the Highlands on Friday.
Confirming the news, Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “The Met Office weather warnings for very high winds across the country mean that it will not be safe for our customers and our staff, and all ScotRail train services will be suspended on Friday.
“We recognise the impact that the withdrawal of train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of staff and passengers – and this is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety during the severe weather.
“Our colleagues at Network Rail Scotland will be working flat out once the worst of the weather passes, to carry out safety checks and assess what repairs are required to reopen the railway.
“We will update our website, mobile app, and social media feeds with the latest travel advice, and customers should check for further updates before they attempt to travel on Saturday morning.”
ScotRail has also warned that disruption may persist beyond the end of the weather warnings, as the network will need to undergo safety inspections before services can be restored.
Customers whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to adverse weather can travel from today (Thursday, 23 January) and up to and including Tuesday, 28 January with their existing ticket. Customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.
Customer are advised to check the ScotRail website or app before travelling on Saturday morning.
Rail is not the only transport likely to be heavily impacted by Friday’s storm.
Highlands and Islands Airports has already warned passengers to expect disruption to its flights over the weekend, as have numerous ferry operators in the north.
A HIAL spokesperson said: “The adverse weather forecasted across Scotland from Friday through the weekend may impact flight schedules. Please check with your airline for flight updates before travelling.”
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