The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Train delays force tough choice for passengers
Line damage problems
Rail passengers were left facing delays or a detour via Aberdeen yesterday after damage to the Highland main line in Perthshire caused disruption to services.
Network Rail first discovered the extensive damage to the Dunkeld and Birnam line shortly after 10pm on Monday, with three rails and a number of sleepers believed to be badly damaged.
Rail services between Perth and Pitlochry were suspended for the day as engineers remained at the scene to investigate and repair the damage.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “The broken rail was identified following the passage of an engineering train over the line at around 22:30 on Monday night.
“Investigations into the exact cause of the damage are ongoing.
“Our engineers are on site working to inspect the damaged track and
“It’s very disappointing; it’s a hassle we could do without”
put plans in place to repair and reopen the railway for customers.
“We understand the inconvenience this incident has caused passengers and are working as quickly as possible to restore services.”
Passengers were forced to either trudge on and off a replacement bus between the two stops – adding an additional 40 minutes on to their journey time – or travel by train via Aberdeen; venturing more than two hours in the opposite direction.
Evelyn Holligan, 74, and her husband Vincent, 78, from Edinburgh, were embarking on their journey home when they were hit by the unexpected delays.
Mr Holligan said: “I thought we were going to Edinburgh Waverley; I got our seats booked and everything. Now we have to get on a train, then a bus, then a train; I could have done without this.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed that by the time the train gets to Pitlochry, it will be going to Waverley, but knowing our luck we will have to get off.”
His wife said: “It’s very disappointing; it’s a hassle we could do without.
“The announcements could be underwater; I can’t hear a word they are saying. All I keep hearing is Dunkeld and Perth.
“Travelling should be fun, not a hassle. They say its most stressful when selling your house and travelling; it’s true.”
London North Eastern Railway also cancelled a multitude of services to the north with all London King’s Cross to Inverness services disembarking at Edinburgh.
A ScotRail spokesman said: “We are sorry for the disruption and we are doing everything we can to keep our customers moving while Network Rail inspect the damaged track.
“Anyone who has been delayed by 30 minutes or more is entitled to compensation under our Delay Repay Guarantee.
“To claim, customers just need to keep hold of their ticket and visit our website.”