Derailed train to cause chaos for rail passengers

TRANSPORT: ScotRail says disruption will continue until around 6pm tonight

Hundreds of passengers in the north and east of Scotland had their journeys disrupted yesterday after a train derailed at Stonehaven.

With train operators unable to put the train back on the rails until it is daylight, disruption is expected to continue until at least 6pm today.

It is understood no passengers were on board and no one was injured when the accident happened.

There was major disruption across the east coast following the incident yesterday evening. Rail services between Edinburgh and Aberdeen were cancelled or terminated in Dundee.

The line between Dundee and Aberdeen was completely closed. Replacement bus services were put in place with these expected to continue during today.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “A train has become derailed at Stonehaven which is preventing us from running any trains through this area.

“We won’t be able to get the train rerailed until daylight hours on Thursday October 11 and once the train has been removed, we’ll need to inspect the track for damage and make any repairs required.

“We are making plans for services between Dundee and Aberdeen to be suspended until at least 6pm on Thursday October 11.”

Anyone whose journey has been disrupted can claim for a refund via the ScotRail website.

Forfar man Andy Hyslop, 31, was on the 17.10 train home from his job in Aberdeen when it ground to a halt because of the disruption.

After being held for 20 minutes just outside the city, he and his fellow passengers headed back to the station and waited for a replacement bus service.

He eventually made it home around two hours later than scheduled.

Mr Hyslop said: “My bus was full when it left Aberdeen. The guy at the station did a good job of getting things organised.”

The cause of the derailment is not yet known.

The derailed train at Stonehaven train station, which had no passengers at the time of the incident, could not be put back on the rails yesterday

Work is ongoing at Stonehaven.