Highland rail

The problem of scheduling even the current number of trains on to the congested single track Highland “main line” railway between Perth and Inverness has been highlighted again in the last two days.

Virgin Trains East Coast decided to re-time their 07.55 Highland Chieftain Inverness to Edinburgh and London train to run half an hour later. The effect has been to delay two Scotrail trains between Glasgow and Inverness in the Newtonmore area.

The promised reinstatement of the former passing loop at Et te ridge has not yet happened nor has the expected doubling of tracks on that and other sections of the single line.

It is only the skill of the time-tablers that allows the line to just about cope with the existing and increasing traffic volumes at the moment. Passengers have connections to make at either end of the line and there are no spare paths for out-of-course running.

Substantial upgrading of this strategic railway line to and from the north is urgently needed.

RJ ARDERN Drumdevan Road, Inverness