Scotrail announce railway line closures ahead of Storm Amy hitting Scotland

A number of railway lines across Scotland will be closed early ahead of Storm Amy.

The first named storm of the season will hit on Friday, with three Met Office warnings coming into force.

An amber alert has been issued, which will bring heavy rain and gusts of up to 100mph within the worst-affected areas in the north-west of the country.

The warning covers much of the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland, parts of Argyll and Bute and Moray, and is in place until 9am on Saturday.

Yellow warnings are in place for wind on Friday and Saturday, and for rain on Friday for much of the country.

Scotrail has confirmed the following lines will close from 6pm on Friday due to forecast wind gusts and heavy rain:

Mallaig – Fort William
Fort William – Crianlarich
Inverness – Aberdeen
Inverness – Wick / Thurso
Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
Perth – Inverness

No will replacement transport will be made available. Tickets dated for travel on Friday, October 3, can be used on Thursday, October 2, Saturday, October 4, or Sunday, October 5.

Scotland

When and where will Storm Amy hit Scotland?

The first named storm of the season will bring heavy rain and gusts of up to 100mph in the worst-affected areas.

On all other routes, speed restrictions will be introduced from 7pm until the end of service to ensure the safety of customers and staff. This may extend journey times and result in some service alterations.

ScotRail believes some disruption to services will extend into Saturday, and possibly Sunday, while Network Rail carries out safety checks for obstructions on the line and damage to any infrastructure.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re working closely with our colleagues at Network Rail to keep people moving where it’s safe to do so.

“The Met Office Amber warning for high winds during Storm Amy means that some routes will have to close, and speed restrictions will be in place across Scotland’s Railway.

“We know how frustrating disruption can be, but these measures are essential to protect our customers and staff.

“We’d encourage everyone to check their journey before travelling and to keep an eye on our website, app, or social media channels for the latest updates.”