Rail services disrupted between Aberdeen and Inverness as heavy rain sweeps debris onto tracks at Inverurie

Rail services in the north east of Scotland have been disrupted as heavy rain has swept debris onto tracks.

Services between Aberdeen and Inverness have been amended, starting and terminating at Inverurie amid high water levels.

ScotRail said replacement buses have been requested, but warned that alternative transport is “extremely limited”.

Rail tickets will be accepted on Stagecoach services while Network Rail work to clear the line, ScotRail added.

NEW: Services between Aberdeen and Inverness/Inverurie will be cancelled, delayed or revised. https://t.co/to4JZt6NYy pic.twitter.com/jeGK1ixJOo
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) January 2, 2024

It comes as SEPA issued amber flood alerts for Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Caithness and Sutherland on Tuesday.

SEPA said heavy rain is expected to continue on Tuesday into Wednesday morning, resulting in flooding to low-lying land and roads, as well as transport disruption and difficult driving conditions.

Meanwhile a red flood warning has been issued for Churchill Barriers, which connect the mainland on Orkney with smaller isles.

SEPA said: “The prevailing weather forecast, along with high tides and large waves means that flooding from the sea is expected.

“Gale force winds also mean that a combination of wave overtopping, spray and debris may result in the closure of the Churchill Barriers.”