iStockA number of ScotRail services have been cancelled in the north and north east of the country after a rare red weather warning was issued amid a storm alert.
The rail operator said that on Thursday, services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen / Inverness, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen / Inverness will be affected by the suspensions.
It comes as Storm Babet is expected to hit parts of Scotland on Thursday, with life-threatening downpours forecast.
Due to the red weather warning and the likelihood of flooding and poor driving conditions, customers on these routes are advised not to travel as no alternative transport is available.
The train operator expects the line closures to last until early Saturday, October 21, however this is dependent on weather conditions and any repair work to railway infrastructure that’s required.
Other routes across the network will be impacted by precautionary speed restrictions, meaning services may be subject to delay or cancellation.
The full list of suspended services are as follows:
- Aberdeen and Elgin
- Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife
- Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee
- Dunblane and Perth
- Perth and Aviemore
- Tain and Wick / Thurso
- All Fife Circle services
Customers are advised that they should only travel if necessary on the routes affected by the weather warnings, to expect delays, and to check their journey before travelling on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels.
Customers whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to 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 Met Office has issued red and amber weather warnings for Storm Babet, with heavy rain across eastern Scotland, and heavy rain and high winds in central and northern Scotland.
“We know the impact that the withdrawal of some train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. This is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety during the severe weather.
“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on other routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.
“For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged to check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”
Storm Babet is set to bring a month’s worth of rain within 48 hours across parts of the country.
Areas of Angus will see up to two months of rain fall over the same time frame.
A red warning is issued only when dangerous weather is forecast and it is “very likely there will be a risk to life”.
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