ScotRail services halted by stranded train

The curse of “leaves on the line” struck the Highlands yesterday.

Rail passengers commuting on the Far North Line were subject to lengthy delays as a stranded freight train brought ScotRail services to a standstill.

The cargo train was near Lairg when it lost traction on the rails.

Due to the sheer size of the train, engineers were unable to move it into the sidings, leaving the line completely blocked to all passengers services.

Engineers from Network Rail worked all afternoon to get services

“Leaves can cause trains difficulty with gripping”

back on, spreading sand on the line by hand.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “During autumn, trees shedding leaves on to the railway can cause trains to have difficulty gripping the rails. Because the rails are metal and the wheels are metal even a little contamination can stop them gripping the rail. We use specialist engineering trains to clean the rails and to lay sand on the tracks to help trains maintain their traction.

“We despatched a team of engineers to the location to sand the line by hand and get the train on the move. Unfortunately, this then caused knock-on delays and cancellations to some other services.”

The delay left ScotRail services from Inverness to Thurso and Wick subject to cancellation as repair work continued.

Replacement buses were scheduled from 2pm yesterday, ferrying passengers to and from the Highland Capital.

D & E Coaches had minibuses operating between Wick and Thurso.