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A landslip just west of Dingwall has closed the Kyle rail line for the rest of the day, ScotRail has warned. [Journeycheck: Due to a landslip between Dingwall and Garve all lines are closed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 09/12/20.]
(Permalink) Dingwall Dingwall and Skye Railway Garve Kyle Line Landslip

A proposed north-west railway that never got off the ground will be the focus of an online talk as part of the Ullapool Book Festival, organisers have said.
(Permalink) Aultbea Book Dingwall and Skye Railway Stornoway Ullapool Ullapool Book Festival


Book: Cover of 'A Quite Impossible Proposal: How not to Build a Railway' by Andrew Drummond, published by Birlinn on 24th September. (Image to accompany a book review by David Spaven.)
Birlinn 09/09/2020

Firefighters have been called to the railway line near Stromeferry following reports of a car on the track.
(Permalink) Car on line Dingwall and Skye Railway Kyle Line Stromeferry

A Royal visitor was spotted travelling on a Ross-shire railway this week “ but they were perhaps not quite what you'd expect.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Kyle Line Royal Saloon

David Spaven has written a book review of Andrew Drummond's much anticipated new book, A Quite Impossible Proposal: How not to Build a Railway.

(Permalink) A Quite Impossible Proposal: How not to Build a Railway Andrew Drummond Aultbea David Spaven Dingwall and Skye Railway Stornoway Ullapool


Book: Cover of 'A Quite Impossible Proposal: How not to Build a Railway' by Andrew Drummond, published by Birlinn on 24th September. (Image to accompany a book review by David Spaven.)
Birlinn 09/09/2020

A stag has been spotted patrolling the platform of a Highland train station.
(Permalink) Achnasheen Dingwall and Skye Railway

Murdoch Paterson was one of the men who helped create a flourishing railway network across the Scottish Highlands. [The anniversary was on the 15th.]
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Highland Railway Murdoch Paterson

This is the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Dingwall and Skye Railway between Dingwall and Stromeferry, the first of the lines crossing the Highlands to reach the western seaboard of Scotland.
(Permalink) 150th Anniversary Dingwall and Skye Railway


Dingwall: Trains crossing at Dingwall station in November 2003.
John Furnevel 23/11/2003


River Bran Viaduct: West of Lochluichart Station the railway crosses a bridge where the River Bran meets Loch Luichart. On 19 April K4 61994 The Great Marquess takes The Great Britain IV over the bridge ...
John Gray 19/04/2011


Stromeferry: The afternoon train from Kyle to Inverness pulls out of the once-imposing station at Stromeferry in the summer of 1983. Attached at the rear of the train is ex-GWR coach no 9004 which was used as an o ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1983

It has been an ongoing problem since the important road to Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye and the outer isles opened back in 1970.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Avalanche Shelter: A new meaning for 'taking to the tracks' near the avalanche shelter on the Kyle line. The view looks east to the diversion of the Stromeferry Bypass onto the railway. See image [[65935 for details]].
Michael Gibb 08/10/2018


Avalanche Shelter: For a short length the Stromeferry Bypass has been diverted onto the Kyle line fitted with a surface to allow road vehicles to drive on the line, effectively a tramway for this portion. The cliff face ...
Michael Gibb 08/10/2018

Network Rail engineers have made innovative changes to signalling systems at Stromeferry which will allow road users increased access over the railway.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide

Scotrail are currently considering a proposal to terminate rail journeys at Strathcarron to allow road traffic to flow more freely through the diversion on the Stromeferry bypass.

At a meeting in Lochcarron last week, Colin Howell (pictured), Highland Councils head of infrastructure, said that the road to rail diversion on the bypass, where important stabilisation work to the rockface is being carried out, could stay open to traffic for an extra 80 minutes each day if Scotrail would agree to do this. It would involved taking passengers by bus from Strathcarron to stations along the line to Kyle of Lochalsh.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Avalanche Shelter: Driving along a railway on a Sunday afternoon, as you do. A van and trailer return to the roadway at the west end of the diversion of the Stromeferry Bypass. See image [[65935 for more details.]] Note ...
Michael Gibb 08/10/2018


Avalanche Shelter: A new meaning for 'taking to the tracks' near the avalanche shelter on the Kyle line. The view looks east to the diversion of the Stromeferry Bypass onto the railway. See image [[65935 for details]].
Michael Gibb 08/10/2018


Avalanche Shelter: For a short length the Stromeferry Bypass has been diverted onto the Kyle line fitted with a surface to allow road vehicles to drive on the line, effectively a tramway for this portion. The cliff face ...
Michael Gibb 08/10/2018

Essential works are set to take place to the rock face to the west of the avalanche shelter on the A890 Stromeferry Bypass from 3 September 2018 and the Council is reminding the public that road closures and traffic management will be in place for up to 12 weeks.

Cards showing details of the timetable that will be operating for the road to rail diversion through the works have been distributed in the surrounding communities and a copy is also available to download from The Highland Council website by searching for Stromeferry Bypass.

[Railscot note: Vehicles will be diverted onto the specially protected railway trackbed at the avalanche shelter.]
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide

People using the Stromeferry Bypass in the Highlands will face overnight closures of the route and a long detour for three months later this year.
Highland Council said it was working with Network Rail to design a bypass which would allow cars and light vehicles to use the route between scheduled timetabled trains.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide

Highland Council is re-examining the potential for road and rail traffic to share the same space at Stromeferry in Wester Ross in the form of a tramway.
The local authority has been seeking a solution to the 1960s-built Stromeferry Bypass, which has had problems with landslides.
It has been closed by 10 significant rock falls between 1990 and 2012.
The council is looking at how the nearby, less badly affected, railway could be adapted.
Using the railway has been considered, but ruled out, before.
But Highland Council has now suggested that it could be turned into a tramway, meaning it would have track and also a surface suitable for road traffic.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Stromeferry: A Kyle - Inverness train running between Loch Carron and the then new road near Stromeferry in August 1970.
Colin Miller /08/1970


Stromeferry: The railway deviation caused by the landslip-prone new A890 road is just apparent ahead of this train east of Strome Ferry in Summer 1974.
David Spaven //1974


Stromeferry: Just east of Stromeferry after the mud landslide of November 2001 which closed the line west of Strathcarron. A replacement bus service called at all stations except Duncraig. The original course of t ...
Ewan Crawford 10/02/2002

Rail and council leaders have been short-listed for a prestigious UK award for their innovative joint response to last winter's landslip at
Stromeferry.

ScotRail, Network Rail and Highland Council are in the running for the Outstanding Team Effort title at the Community Rail Awards. The short-listing comes after rocks and debris fell on to the A890 Stromeferry bypass during severe weather on 22 December 2011, forcing the closure of the key Highland road and leaving motorists facing a 140-mile detour.

To help Plockton High School pupils from Applecross, Kishorn and Lochcarron attend classes, ScotRail provided an additional morning train and free travel for the students. By March, a unique temporary road surface had been built over 150 metres of train track. Made out of rubber matting, it created a diversionary road for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes when the line was not being used by ScotRail's trains.

Traffic along the route was controlled by Network Rail and Highland Council staff on site. Winners of the eighth annual Community Rail Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Swindon on 28 September 2012.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide

A lifeline Wester Ross road is set to reopen to traffic on a full-time basis later this month - four months after it was closed by a series of rockfalls.
Work on the A890 Stromeferry Bypass which links Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh is nearing completion and Highland Council is targeting Monday April 23 for a full reopening of the route.

Work will start on Saturday on dismantling and removing the holdfast units and barriers on the railway line which have enabled traffic to be diverted on to the track between 7am and 7pm every day since March 26.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Plockton: Two stops out from its final destination, the 1101 Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh calls at Plockton on 29 September 2009. Those gathered under the canopy in the far corner of the platform are not passen ...
John Furnevel 29/10/2009


Stromeferry: The afternoon train from Kyle to Inverness pulls out of the once-imposing station at Stromeferry in the summer of 1983. Attached at the rear of the train is ex-GWR coach no 9004 which was used as an o ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1983


Stromeferry: Stromeferry looking towards Inverness. On the 29th of October 2001 a mudslide closed the Kyle line making Strathcarron the temporary terminus until the line was remade east of Stromeferry. The hillsid ...
Ewan Crawford 10/02/2002

Road traffic has been allowed onto the railway at Stromeferry in Wester Ross to help ease travel in the area.

A stretch of the A890 has been shut since December following landslides.

Traffic will be allowed onto the nearby railway when there are no trains passing through and until the risk of further slides is reduced.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide

The first batch of rubber mats have been laid alongside tracks at Stromeferry in Wester Ross to allow road traffic onto the railway. Highland Council is having the material called HoldFast installed to ease travel in the area.
A stretch of the A890 has been shut since December following landslides.
Traffic will be allowed onto the nearby railway when there are no trains passing through and until the risk of further slides is reduced.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Plockton: Two stops out from its final destination, the 1101 Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh calls at Plockton on 29 September 2009. Those gathered under the canopy in the far corner of the platform are not passen ...
John Furnevel 29/10/2009


Stromeferry: The afternoon train from Kyle to Inverness pulls out of the once-imposing station at Stromeferry in the summer of 1983. Attached at the rear of the train is ex-GWR coach no 9004 which was used as an o ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1983


Stromeferry: Stromeferry looking towards Inverness. On the 29th of October 2001 a mudslide closed the Kyle line making Strathcarron the temporary terminus until the line was remade east of Stromeferry. The hillsid ...
Ewan Crawford 10/02/2002

Commuters to Inverness will be able to catch earlier trains from Monday.

ScotRail is reintroducing the 7.26am Elgin to Inverness service, which has been replaced by a bus since January 23, when the train was sent to be used as a morning service for Plockton High pupils to get to school, as an alternative as the Stromeferry bypass remains closed.

The 9am Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh service, which has also been replaced with a bus service recently, will return to normal, and a service for the pupils in Plockton will remain.

In order to make the changes, there will only be two carriages on the 9.03am Inverness to Aberdeen and 1.39pm Aberdeen to Inverness services.

(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall School train Stromeferry landslide

ScotRail is to provide an additional early morning service to ensure that
Plockton High pupils can get to school - free of charge - while the
Stromeferry bypass remains closed.

From Monday 23 January, an 06.20 Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh service will
transport the children to Plockton before 09.00. Other passengers can also
buy tickets for the service.

In order to accommodate the additional service, the 07.26 Elgin-Inverness
will be replaced by a bus. A bus will also operate the 09.00
Inverness-Kyle, connecting into a train at Achnasheen.

Jerry Farquharson, ScotRail's director of business planning, said: 'We've
worked closely with Highland Council and HITRANS to put this plan in place.

'It means that pupils will be able to get to school over the coming weeks
with as little disruption as possible - and without incurring any extra
travel costs.'

Dr Michael Foxley, Highland Council leader said: 'This is great news.
ScotRail's cooperation is much appreciated, particularly as the children
will get to travel for free.'

It is expected that the service will be in place for between four and six
weeks.
(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall School train Stromeferry landslide


Plockton: Two stops out from its final destination, the 1101 Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh calls at Plockton on 29 September 2009. Those gathered under the canopy in the far corner of the platform are not passen ...
John Furnevel 29/10/2009


Stromeferry: The afternoon train from Kyle to Inverness pulls out of the once-imposing station at Stromeferry in the summer of 1983. Attached at the rear of the train is ex-GWR coach no 9004 which was used as an o ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1983


Stromeferry: Stromeferry looking towards Inverness. On the 29th of October 2001 a mudslide closed the Kyle line making Strathcarron the temporary terminus until the line was remade east of Stromeferry. The hillsid ...
Ewan Crawford 10/02/2002

A five-tonne landslide has closed a railway line in the Highlands.
Rocks, trees and water has covered part of the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line.
Network Rail and Scotrail were alerted the landslide, near Stromeferry village, at around 11am on Thursday.

(Permalink) Dingwall and Skye Railway Rockfall Stromeferry landslide


Stromeferry: The 1203 Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverness train restarts from Stromeferry on 29 September 2009.
John Furnevel 29/09/2009


Stromeferry: The afternoon train from Kyle to Inverness pulls out of the once-imposing station at Stromeferry in the summer of 1983. Attached at the rear of the train is ex-GWR coach no 9004 which was used as an o ...
Frank Spaven Collection (Courtesy David Spaven) //1983


Stromeferry: Stromeferry looking towards Inverness. On the 29th of October 2001 a mudslide closed the Kyle line making Strathcarron the temporary terminus until the line was remade east of Stromeferry. The hillsid ...
Ewan Crawford 10/02/2002

An investigation is launched after an Inverness to Kyle train hits a car on a level crossing at Dingwall. The incident happened at the crossing on the A862 Newton Road, Dingwall, at about 1130 GMT on Tuesday.
(Permalink) Crash Dingwall Dingwall Middle LC Dingwall and Skye Railway Kyle Line Level crossing

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