ScotRail warns Storm Babet impact likely to continue into Sunday
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ScotRail is warning customers that services – currently withdrawn on some routes in the north and northeast of the country because of the impact of Storm Babet – are likely to remain closed until at least Sunday morning.
The Aviemore-Perth – part of the main Highland line – is currently out of operation due to the adverse weather.
Line closures elsewhere are also affecting services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen/Inverness, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen/Inverness.
An amber warning is in place north of the Highland capital for all of tomorrow and this is very likely to affect services on the Far North Line.
Other routes across the network are still being impacted by precautionary speed restrictions meaning services may be subject to delay or cancellation.
Exceptionally wet and windy conditions have severely affected much of the country since yesterday causing the Met Office to issue a red weather warning alongside a number of amber warnings.
Another 24-hour red weather warning will come into place from midnight tonight in the northeast of the country and elsewhere there will still be very heavy rainfall and gusts of winds exceeding 55 miles per hour until at least Saturday afternoon.
ScotRail said the continuing bad weather means it is taking longer than expected for engineers to inspect the routes for damage so it is very likely services will not begin again until at least Sunday morning.
A spokesperson said: "The safety of customers and staff is always Scotland’s Railway’s highest priority, and we will not reopen routes until it is judged safe to do so."
The other routes affected are between:
Aberdeen and Elgin.
Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife.
Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee.
Dunblane and Perth.
Tain and Wick / Thurso.
All Fife Circle services.
Customers are advised they should only travel if necessary on the routes affected by the weather warnings, to expect delays, and to regularly check their journey before travelling, on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels.
Passengers whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to the adverse weather can travel one day before or two days after the date on their ticket.
Customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “The impact of Storm Babet, with heavy rain across eastern Scotland, and heavy rain and high winds in central and northern Scotland, has been extremely challenging.
“We want to thank customers for their continuing understanding as we make all possible efforts to inspect routes for damage, before reopening them when it is judged safe to do so.
“We know the impact the withdrawal of some train services has on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.
“For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”
