ScotRail warns of disruption on Highland train lines ahead of Storm Ashley
Delays are set to hit train services in the Highlands as Storm Ashley is expected to hit part of the region with heavy rain and strong winds.
An amber high wind warning has been issued for the west coast on Sunday into Monday, with gusts of 70-80mph expected and a yellow warning for high winds up to 60mph covers the whole of Scotland.
As a result, ScotRail services - as well as ferries - across the area could be delayed or cancelled during the period of the storm.
From early evening until Monday morning, services in the west and north highlands, Ayrshire, Stranraer and between Perth and Inverness will be affected by precautionary speed restrictions – this will increase journey times and reduce the number of services which will run.
Customers are advised to check their journey before travelling on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels.
The severe weather has the potential to affect the start of ScotRail services on Monday, 21 October as debris may have been blown onto the railway. Network Rail engineers, working with ScotRail, will need to inspect the routes for damage.
Scott Prentice, ScotRail Strategy and Planning Director, said: “The Met Office has issued amber and yellow weather warnings for Storm Ashley, wit heavy rain and high winds across much of the country, particularly the north west.
“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on some routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.
“Customers should check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, app or social media feeds for live updates.”
