News - Far north line
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Far North Line train services to and from Inverness remain cancelled today with Network Rail beginning mass safety checks on rail tracks.
(Permalink) Aberdeen to Inverness Far North Line Highland Main Line Kyle Line Network Railway Safety checks Storm Gerrit |
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The Inverness to Wick and Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh services have resumed.
(Permalink) Beauly Far North Line Inverness Landslip |
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ScotRail has announced there will be rail replacement buses in operation today as train services between Wick and Inverness remain suspended.
(Permalink) Far North Line Inverness Rail replacement buses ScotRail Wick |
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More misery is in store today for train travellers on the Far North Line with services expected to remain suspended after severe weather.
(Permalink) Far North Line Weather |
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Train passengers on the Far North Line suffered some disruption today after a lorry hit a railway bridge in Inverness this afternoon.
(Permalink) Bridge strike Far North Line Inverness Shore Road |
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Scrapping of a multimillion-pound plan to replace a deadly Easter Ross railway level crossing with a bridge is not a surprise, a councillor believes.
(Permalink) Delny Delny Level Crossing Far North Line Safety  Delny: View south towards Inverness from the former Delny station level crossing in 1998. |
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Key railway improvements which could dramatically boost train reliability on Highland lines may not take place as soon as hoped, campaigners fear. [Clachnaharry to Clunes was formerly double track (doubled 1913-14 and singled 1966 with a loop at Lentran surviving until 1988). -RS]
(Permalink) Clachnaharry Delmore Far North Line Kyle Line Lentran Passing Loop  Lentran: 37417 photographed with a train at Lentran (closed June 1960) on a cold day in March 1986. |
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The line between Inverness and Tain was reopened last night after a crash between a train and a car prompted the closure of the railway.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Emergency services were alerted to the crash near Barbaraville at around 3.20pm on Friday.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Rail passengers on the Far North Line may wait years for a solution to overcrowded trains during the height of the cruise ship season, it is feared.
(Permalink) Cruise ships Far North Line Overcrowding |
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In my work as an MP, one of the things that gives me the most pleasure is my role as the president of the Friends of the Far North Line. This is because, when I think about it, the railway north from Inverness has always played a large role in my life.
(Permalink) Cromarty Firth Far North Line Green Freeport |
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Services on the line are set to be cancelled or revised as urgent work to repair damages caused by Storm Babet are set to last for a week.
(Permalink) Brora Far North Line Helmsdale Sea wall |
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ScotRail have announced that trains connecting Inverness and Wick are yet to return to regular service after almost a week of major disruption.
(Permalink) Cancellations Far North Line Helmsdale |
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Work is ongoing to make the Wick and Kyle train lines safe after Storm Babet, with train commuters set for another day of disruption today.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line |
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Some train services remain off on Sunday despite the end of a red weather warning for north-east Scotland.
(Permalink) Aberdeen Dundee Elgin Far North Line Fife Circle route Kyle Line |
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The route had been badly affected by Storm Babet. Disruption continues elsewhere in the north.
(Permalink) Aberdeen Elgin Far North Line Highland Main Line Storm Babet Tain |
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Rail passengers are being warned of disruption to services on the Far North Line later this month.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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The works will impact Inverness-Aberdeen, Kyle and Far North services at different weekends in October.
(Permalink) Aberdeen Elgin Engineering Works Far North Line Forres Garve Helmsdale Inverness Kyle of Lochalsh Wick |
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Passengers have had to endure journeys of up to four-and-a-half hours without any on-board food-and-drink service.
(Permalink) Far North Line Food trolley ScotRail |
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News of the possible new passing loop has been hailed by campaigners, amid hopes it will boost train reliability on the Far North and Kyle lines.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line Lentran Passing loop  Lentran: The derelict station building on the former northbound platform of Lentran station, closed 1982. Lentran: 37417 photographed with a train at Lentran (closed June 1960) on a cold day in March 1986. |
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A shortage of 'station staff' has sparked the cancellation of two trains between Inverness and Caithness.
(Permalink) Far North Line Staffing ancellations |
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A push to have lifesaving defibrillators sited on far north trains and/or stations has taken a step forward after the Groat highlighted the issue.
(Permalink) Defibrillator Far North Line ScotRail |
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After more than three years of preparatory work, a voluntary committee has been successful in its application to the Scottish ...
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Members of the Scottish Parliament joined representatives from community rail to celebrate the work of the grassroots movement across Scotland.
(Permalink) Far North Line Far North Line CRP Scottish Parliament |
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Dingwall-based MSP Kate Forbes has been lobbied on the issue and takes heart from the fact that ScotRail has promised to keep it under review.
(Permalink) Far North Line ScotRail |
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The MSP has been pressed by constituents keen to see a return of a late night service that saves them a fortune on taxis.
(Permalink) Far North Line Inverness |
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Rail passengers on the Far North Line were facing disruption this morning after services were terminated mid journey. The 6.19am Wick to Inverness train terminated at Lairg and the 7am Inverness to Wick service was suspended at Tain due to 'a safety inspection of the track'.
(Permalink) Far North Line Lairg Safety inspection Tain |
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A marmalade coloured train arrived at Wick and brought out several trainspotters who knew all about the specialist work it was undertaking.
(Permalink) Far North Line Jarvis PLPR Track inspection Wick |
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ScotRail confirmed the tree had fallen on the line between Dingwall and Muir of Ord on Wednesday.
(Permalink) Dingwall Fallen tree Far North Line Kyle Line Muir of Ord |
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Scenic trains with larger windows are being considered by ScotRail for a new greener fleet on lines in the Highlands popular with tourists. They could operate on the West Highland Line to Mallaig which has been a major draw for Harry Potter fans, and the Far North Line to Thurso and Wick.
(Permalink) Far North Line Fort William Glenfinnan Mallaig Scenic ScotRail Thurso West Highland Line Wick Windows  Borrodale Tunnel: A westbound 4 car Sprinter is about to enter Borrodale Tunnel, the longest on the line, on a swelteringly hot day in 2017.  Arisaig: Mallaig-bound Jacobite crosses a ScotRail service at Arisaig on 3rd June 2016.  Georgemas Junction: Having shuttled to Thurso and back 158702 runs in to Georgemas Junction ready to continue on to Wick. In the background the new crane and loading area for the Dounreay flasks are nearing completion an ... |
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Swiss-style scenic trains with extra legroom and luxury catering could be introduced on the Scottish route considered one of the worlds greatest train journeys.
(Permalink) Far North Line Fort William Glenfinnan Mallaig Scenic ScotRail Thurso West Highland Line Wick Windows |
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Several ScotRail services connecting the Highland capital with the far north have been cancelled.
(Permalink) Cancelations Far North Line Inverness Storm Otto Thurso Weather Wick |
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Rail passenger numbers in the far north are still substantially lower than prior to the pandemic - despite a big bounce since the height of lockdown.
(Permalink) Far North Line ORR Station statistics |
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Strong support for Sir Archibald Sinclair in 1922, Concern over far north line future in 1972 and Ambitious plans for village harbour in 1997.
(Permalink) 1972 Far North Line  Brora: Relief Signalman Dickie Paul beams from the Down platform at Brora after signalling through the return working to Inverness of the special train run to commemorate the centenary of the 28th July 1874 ...  Alness: Here comes the train... and only 13 years late! An expectant crowd spots the class 24-hauled service from Inverness as it approaches Alness for the official reopening ceremony on 7 May 1973. Th ...  Altnabreac: Scene on the Far North line in the summer of 1971, as 5332 takes a train away from the platform at Altnabreac on its journey to Wick. |
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Rail chiefs are exploring solutions including the use of hydrogen and battery-powered trains on the Far North Line.
(Permalink) Battery Train Far North Line Hydrogen Power  Jamestown Viaduct [Inverkeithing]: The first emission-free fully-electric train to cross the iconic Forth Bridge is seen, at the Jamestown Viaduct with the Forth Bridge beyond, in this Network Rail and Vivarail aerial view as the Unite ...  Tain: 158710, on a service from Inverness to Ardgay, draws to a stand alongside the station building at Tain, now converted into the recently opened and excellent Platform 1864 restaurant that has wo ... |
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Latheron war memorial unveiled in 1922, Bold plan for far north line in 1972 and Expenses cutback call in 1997
(Permalink) Dornoch Crossing Far North Line Meikle Ferry Bridge Transport Integration  Meikle Ferry: 158715, on a Wick to Inverness service, has just passed through the closed station at Meikle Ferry and is seen under the approach road for the Dornoch Firth bridge. 20th July 2016 |
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Five major railway lines in the north and north-east will be subject to speed restrictions following Met Office warnings for heavy rain and high winds.
(Permalink) Aberdeen to Dundee line Blair Atholl Far North Line Highland Main Line Kyle Line Pitlochry ScotRail Weather West Highland Line |
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It's mid-morning when two friends and I board the two-carriage diesel train from Inverness, manoeuvring our luggage into the overhead racks before sitting down.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line ScotRail Strathspey Railway West Highland Line  Duncraig: An eastbound service arrives at Duncraig (just off to the right) in 2013.  Achnasheen: Autumn sunshine illuminates First ScotRail 158708, seen here arriving at the westbound platform at Achnasheen in October 2009. The train is a morning service from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.  Garve: 158708 on the level crossing over the A835 about to run into Garve station during a downpour on 1 October 2009. The train is the 1443 Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverness. |
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Overnight traffic management will be in place from September 4 to 9 on the B817 in Alness and Evanton in the Scottish Highlands as Network Rail carries out essential vegetation management.
(Permalink) Alness Evanton Far North Line Vegetation clearance |
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The first request-stop kiosk on the Far North Line will go on trial at Scotscalder station from Monday 15 August.
(Permalink) Far North Line Request stop Request stop kiosk Scotscalder  Scotscalder: Final preparations are being made for the trial of a request-stop kiosk at Scotscalder on the Far North Line. The new equipment at Scotscalder will go live on trial from 15 August 2022. |
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Highland tourists should ditch driving the busy North Coast 500 and instead enjoy a leisurely train holiday along the Far North Line, a community group has argued.
(Permalink) Far North Line NC500  Loth: North of Brora, The Far North Line runs along the east coast until it reaches Helmsdale then turns inland to follow the Strath of Kildonan. Black 5 No. 44871 is pictured near Loth, between Brora and H ...  Kinbrace: A northbound train on the shores of Loch an Ruathair in August 2007 on the section between Kinbrace and Forsinard.  Fearn: The empty coaching stock of the Royal Scotsman absolutely hammers through Fearn. The passengers had alighted at Tain and the coaches went to Inverness for servicing. This was the train returnin ... |
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ScotRail has increased services on its north Highland routes in an attempt to help those struggling with the reduced timetable.
(Permalink) Far North Line Inverness Kyle Line Kyle of Lochalsh ScotRail Thurso Timetabling Wick  Wick: Wick station, actually located in Pulteney, seen from the approach road which crosses the river Wick from the main part of the Burgh of Wick.  Kyle of Lochalsh: The station at Kyle of Lochalsh, the building redolent of WHR station design, with a DMU waiting to depart with a service to Inverness on 21 September.  Inverness: Motive power line up under the trainshed at Inverness in March 2009 comprising (L to R) 158702, 158731 and 158741. On the far left 170403 can partly be seen having arrived from Glasgow. |
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With this week's rail disruption affecting services a campaigner for the far north line believes the strike action may prove counterproductive.
(Permalink) Economic impact Far North Line RMT Strike |
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You could say that I was once one of the railway children. I was brought up beside the railway line.
(Permalink) Far North Line Timetabling |
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ScotRail is under mounting pressure to improve the 'unusable skeleton service' operating on the Far North Line between Inverness and Caithness following temporary cuts.
(Permalink) ASLEF Driver shortage Far North Line Overtime Rest days ScotRail Timetabling |
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Passengers on the West Highland Line and the Far North Rail Line are raising concerns about lack of ScotRail trains to take them to hospital appointments in the cities.
(Permalink) ASLEF Driver shortage Far North Line Kyle Line Overtime Rest days ScotRail Timetabling West Highland Lines |
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It will take you to a stunning surfer's paradise. One station in particular lies so far distant it's right on the other side of the Scottish Highlands and when you get there you can catch a ferry to the stunning Orkney islands. Thurso is literally about as far north as you can go and still be in the UK.
(Permalink) Far North Line Orkney Thurso  Thurso: 158702 waits to form the last departure of the day from Thurso, the 1629 to Inverness. Compared to a similar view five years earlier See image [[16892]], the goods shed has now been demolished but not ... |
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After being nationalised on April 1, ScotRail has announced the reintroduction of its on-board food and drink service for the Far North Line.
(Permalink) Far North Line Hospitality Recruitment ScotRail |
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TV presenter and former politician Michael Portillo reaches Thurso this evening on the latest leg of his exploration of Britain's rail routes.
(Permalink) BBC Far North Line Michael Portillo Thurso |
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Fallen trees and branches caused closure of the far north line from Inverness to Wick/Thurso yesterday and workers are out clearing the tracks.
(Permalink) Fallen tree Far North Line |
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It is a quaint anomaly of Scotlands rail network that has seen generations of passengers wave down train drivers at some of the countrys most remote and least frequented stations.
(Permalink) Altnabreac Culrain Dunrobin Castle Far North Line Hand Signals Invershin Kildonan Kinbrace Request Stop Request to stop kiosk Rogart Scotscalder |
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Work is underway at eight stations in the Scottish Highlands to install request to stop kiosks which will allow passengers to access the next planned service.
(Permalink) Altnabreac Culrain Dunrobin Castle Far North Line Hand Signals Invershin Kildonan Kinbrace Request Stop Request to stop kiosk Rogart Scotscalder  Scotland: Work is underway at eight stations in the Scottish Highlands to install 'request to stop kiosks' which will allow passengers to access the next planned service.
As part of a broader package of impr ... |
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Loading facility at Altnabreac could be model for others across Scotland, states report. A plan to take 9000 tonnes of timber off Caithness roads and on to the rail network has been approved by Highland Council. It granted planning permission to Caledonia Forest Land Investment Ltd to construct a rail-side timber loading facility on land near Altnabreac station. The company, which has a number of plantations in the north, is working on the venture with HiTrans and Scottish Woodlands.
(Permalink) Altnabreac Caledonia Forest Land Investment Ltd Far North Line HiTrans Scottish Woodlands Timber  Altnabreac: Hard to believe this is the same viewpoint as the shot taken 41 years ago see image [[29053]]. A 'Friends of the Far North Line' outing is about to escape the Altnabreac midges by jumping on the 13.55 ...  Altnabreac: Altnabreac in its splendid isolation. Looking south towards Forsinard in 1994. The water tank still exists behind the photographer.  Altnabreac: A water column still stands defiantly at Altnabreac in the summer of 1971, long after the end of steam. |
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ScotRail has announced that several services in the Highlands will be cancelled due to expected high winds on December 13.
(Permalink) Cancellations Far North Line Kyle Line ScotRail Weather |
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Following news that the Scotland to Northern Ireland bridge will not go ahead, a Highland MSP has called for the cash to be spent on north railways.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Vital improvements to the Far North Line and the Highland mainline would bring benefits to Highland residents and businesses, an MSP has argued.
(Permalink) Far North Line Highland Main Line |
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ScotRail is aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2035 but a campaign group says it is 'not easy' to see what form this will take in the far north.
(Permalink) Far North Line Friends of the Far North Line Net Zero  Thurso: A train for Inverness waits to leave Thurso behind a BRCW Type 2 in July 1963.
Thurso: 158702 waits to form the last departure of the day from Thurso, the 1629 to Inverness. Compared to a similar view five years earlier See image [[16892]], the goods shed has now been demolished but not ... |
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A vehicle's collision with a railway bridge has forced the closure of the far north railway line between Inverness and Wick.
(Permalink) Bridge Strike Far North Line Fearn Tain |
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Network Rail has completed the installation of 15 deer leaps along the railway boundary on the line between Kinbrace and Forsinard.
Deer leaps, which were first introduced on the line on an experimental basis back in 2019, offer all deer, but especially calves and juveniles, an escape route to prevent them from being hit by trains should they inadvertently stray onto, or become trapped on the line while crossing. (Permalink) Achentoul Estate Deer leaps Far North Line Forsinard Kinbrace  Kinbrace: Network Rail has completed the installation of 15 deer leaps along the railway boundary on the line between Kinbrace and Forsinard.
Deer leaps, which were first introduced on the line on an experimen ... |
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Rail passengers are being warned of engineering disruption on the Far North Line this weekend.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Train services on two separate Highland lines are being delayed due to signal fault.
(Permalink) Delays Far North Line Forsinard Fort William RETB Signalling fault West Highland Line |
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A rail campaign group that criticised Highland Council over road upgrading has been told that most people will continue to opt for the car.
(Permalink) A9 A96 Far North Line Friends of the Far North Line Highland Council |
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Network Rail has successfully completed tree and vegetation management work between Rogart and Lairg while protecting nearby nesting hen harriers.
(Permalink) Far North Line Hen Harriers Lairg Rogart Vegetation Removal |
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The 27th of August was the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Dornoch Bridge which connects Easter Ross with Sutherland. The bridge cut about 45 minutes and 30 miles from the journey. It cost £13.5m at the time - around £30m today. [Despite much discussion of a shortcut railway route via Dornoch, over the bridge, this did not go ahead. This could have partially used the trackbed of the former Dornoch branch. -RS]
(Permalink) Dornoch Dornoch Branch (Highland Railway) Dornoch Bridge Dornoch Firth Crossing Far North Line  Dornoch: Looking from track level along the platform to the well maintained and occupied station building at the former Dornoch Station, showing both structures still intact 53 years after closure. |
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It will take you to a stunning surfer's paradise. They used to say that all roads lead to Rome, but in fact all railways lead to London - or so it appears. Even some of the remotest places in the UK have surprising rail links that mean you can swap the buzz of the capital for rural bliss - and in some cases complete isolation - within just a few hours. One station in particular lies so far distant it's right on the other side of the Scottish Highlands and when you get there you can catch a ferry to the stunning Orkney islands. Thurso is literally about as far north as you can go and still be in the UK.
(Permalink) Far North Line Thurso Thurso: 158702 waits to form the last departure of the day from Thurso, the 1629 to Inverness. Compared to a similar view five years earlier See image [[16892]], the goods shed has now been demolished but not ... |
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Breathtaking views are just a train ride away.
(Permalink) Aberystwyth Belfast Cambrian Line Coleraine East Coast Main Line Exeter Far North Line Inverness Londonderry Penzance Scenic Settle and Carlisle Line Shrewsbury Thurso Wick York.Berwick |
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A rail campaigner has questioned an 'extraordinary intervention' by leading public sector figures in support of dualling the A9 and A96 roads.
(Permalink) A82 A9 A96 Far North Line Highland Main Line Inverness and Nairn Railway West Highland Railway |
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Signalling woes in Inverness causing major disruption to Far North Line railway journeys
(Permalink) Far North Line Georgemas Junction Inverness Signalling fault Thurso Wick |
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Only got a few days to explore? No problem we've got some great ideas for a short break in Scotland from city breaks to electric road trips, UNESCO-recognised landscapes to days on the water. Responsible travel Inverness to Thurso & Wick by rail Great for: dramatic Highland scenery, delightful villages and romantic castles.
(Permalink) Far North Line Thurso Wick  Loth: Another outing for 73968 as a driver route learner from Inverness to Georgemas Junction, in preparation for engineering work. Pictured just south of the former Loth station on the east coast between H ...  The Mound: In-between some very heavy showers 60163 Tornado skirts the edge of Loch Fleet, just north of The Mound, on 21 June 2015 with 'The Seaforth Highlander' on its way north to Brora. Thurso: 158702 waits to form the last departure of the day from Thurso, the 1629 to Inverness. Compared to a similar view five years earlier See image [[16892]], the goods shed has now been demolished but not ... |
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Community and business leaders have questioned if plans to move more freight by rail in the far north is 'commercially viable'.
(Permalink) Far North Line Georgemas Junction Thurso Wick  Georgemas Junction: Close up of the wagon loading equipment in use for the trial timber trains at Georgemas Junction, seen on 4th August 2020.  Georgemas Junction: 'The Georgemas' underwent a transformation when much of the station - the island platform - became a loading point with a crane. The view looking towards the junction itself shows the new facility. |
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Heavy downpour overnight is impacting rail services in the Highlands.
(Permalink) Far North Line Flooding Kyle Line Weather West Highland Line |
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Train services have resumed in the north after engineers cleared the debris from a fallen embankment.
(Permalink) Far North Line Fearn Landslip Tain |
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A collapsed embankment in Easter Ross has forced the cancellation of all trains on part of the Far North Line.
(Permalink) Far North Line Fearn Landslip Tain |
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Growing commuter numbers may be helping to drive rail passenger number increases at some Ross villages, a local MSP believes.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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The thought of a great Scottish rail journey is something many of us have been looking forward to during the long lockdown. The Far North Line “ now that sounds like an adventure route into the wilds, doesnt it?
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Flooding has sparked the closure of the Far North Line and the cancellation of railway services on the route.
(Permalink) Ardgay Far North Line Flooding |
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Caithness is playing a key role in a £195k project which hopes to show that moving timber by rail is a viable and greener alternative to using roads.
(Permalink) A9 A99 Dalcross Far North Line Georgemas Junction Hitrans Inverness Network Rail Norbord Scottish Forestry Timber Transport Scotland Victa Railfreight |
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Rail passengers on the Far North Line face delays of up to 35 minutes today, ScotRail has warned.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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A call has gone out for local people to get involved in a community rail partnership to help the far north economy recover from the pandemic.
(Permalink) Far North Line  Wick: First ScotRail 158722, snug in its little house, waits to depart with the first afternoon train to Inverness.  Thurso: 158720 just arrived at Thurso station from Inverness at 10.58 (this photo was taken three minutes later) on 17th June 2019. Trains no longer pull up under the train shed - but they still do so at Wi ... |
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Hundreds of lorry loads of timber could be removed from the A9 in Ross-shire after almost £200,000 was allocated to a rail freight trial by Victa Railfreight.
(Permalink) A9 Dalcross Far North Line Georgemas Junction Hitrans Inverness Network Rail Norbord Scottish Forestry Timber Transport Scotland Victa Railfreight |
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Commitment to decarbonise passenger rail services by 2035. Plans to decarbonise Scotland's rail passenger services by 2035 have been launched by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson today.
Railscot note - PDF page 8 shows electrification of lines by 2035: - Glasgow - Aberdeen - Inverurie - All lines in Fife including Levenmouth - Highland Main Line - Borders line - Glasgow - Barrhead - Dumfries - Carlisle - East Kilbride - Kilmarnock - Ayr - Anniesland - Maryhill Partial electrification or alternative technology: - Ayr- Girvan - Inverurie - Inverness - Tain Battery or alternative technology: - West Highland Lines - Far North Line - Kyle Line - Girvan - Stranraer (Permalink) Aberdeen Barrhead Battery train Borders line Dumfries East Kilbride Electrification Far North Line Fife Girvan Highland Main Line Inverurie Kilmarnock Kyle Line Levenmouth Maryhill Stranraer Tain West Highland Lines  Scotland: Transport Scotland - Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan for 2035. Lines shown in red are to be electrified. Those in yellow to be alternative traction, possibly prior to electrification. Those ... |
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A new group is being formed in an ambitious bid to reinvigorate the Far North rail line in Caithness and Sutherland, it has emerged.
It is hoped the Far North Line Community Rail Partnership will encourage more visitors to the area and help the North Highlands recover economically from the coronavirus pandemic. (Permalink) Covid-19 Far North Line |
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A Thurso man has expressed his anger over the plight of his disabled stepson who was left out in the cold after a train delay on the far north line.
(Permalink) Far North Line Thurso |
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A close ally of Jeremy Corbyn who is helping to lead Labour general election campaign has been ridiculed after suggesting he likes to travel by train to the Northern Isles.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line |
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Electricity produced at the MeyGen tidal energy scheme in the Pentland Firth could be used to power an experimental battery-operated train between Wick and Thurso.
That is the hope of rail campaign group Friends of the Far North Line (FoFNL) which claims Caithness would be a good place to test the technology. (Permalink) Battery Train Far North Line Friends of the Far North Line MeyGen |
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David Spaven's book, 'Highland Survivor' has won the Railway and Canal Historical Society award for '2017 Railway Book of the Year'. David commented 'Im delighted that this award will bring additional focus to a much-neglected railway, which deserves the same kind of attention as the better-known classic Highland tourist lines to Kyle, Fort William, Mallaig and Oban. ScotRail and tourist bodies should be applying to the Far North Line the same kind of transformative marketing as the highly successful North Coast 500 road campaign. The railway penetrates territory where no road goes, and over its half a dozen distinct geographical sections it skirts estuaries, climbs between mountain ranges and runs along a dramatic, unspoilt coastline. This is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.'
(Permalink) David Spaven Far North Line Highland Survivor Kessock Books  Book: We at Kessock Books are excited to announce the pending publication of 'Highland Survivor - The Story of the Far North Line' written by David ... |
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Over 1,000 new rails have been delivered to Scotland for the first time by sea to Scrabster Harbour to be used to renew 6.5 miles of track on the Far North Lines Thurso branch that stretches from Thurso Station to Georgemas Junction.
(Permalink) Far North Line Network Rail Scrabster Harbour |
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The operator of Scotland's railway network has reiterated its commitment to the Far North Line in the Highlands.
ScotRail Alliance, which involves Abellio ScotRail and Network Rail, has been criticised for the quality of services on the line. A railways expert and MSPs have concerns about the long-term future of the line that links Inverness to stations in Sutherland and Caithness. But ScotRail Alliance said it was investing in the line. (Permalink) Abellio Far North Line ScotRail |
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The 'shambolic' performance of Scotland's most northerly railway could lead to its eventual closure, a book published today claims. Passenger numbers are falling on the route between Inverness, Wick and Thurso, which has been plagued by chronic unreliability and frequent cancellations. In Highland Survivor: the story of the Far North Line, rail consultant David Spaven argues for urgent action to reverse its fortunes. The 168-mile route was the biggest reprieve among those earmarked for closure by the Beeching report 50 years ago. However, unlike most Scottish lines which have enjoyed booming traffic, Britain's longest rural route is declining and many journeys are far quicker by road.
(Permalink) David Spaven Far North Line Highland Survivor Loth: North of Brora, The Far North Line runs along the east coast until it reaches Helmsdale then turns inland to follow the Strath of Kildonan. Black 5 No. 44871 is pictured near Loth, between Brora and H ...  Thurso: About to board the 1307 service to Inverness at Thurso on 1 September 2015.  Georgemas Junction: No rural idyll these days. Georgemas Junction now features a mighty 110-tonne gantry crane for road-rail transfer of contaminated materials from the decommissioned Dounreay nuclear site. As seen here ... |
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The Far North Line is one of the great rail survivors, but action is needed to ensure it stays on the transport map, says David Spaven Britain's longest rural railway - the 168-mile Far North Line from Inverness to Wick and Thurso - is one of the country's most remarkable rail survivors.
(Permalink) David Spaven Far North Line |
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RAIL passengers are often left standing at Beauly and Conon Bridge stations as late-running trains fail to stop in a bid to regain lost time, according to a transport group.
Rail officials have now agreed to visit the region later this year after a catalogue of problems on the rail line north of Inverness were highlighted. They include trains being delayed by more than an hour or services cancelled at short notice. Concerns at the continuing poor performance of services on the Far North Line between Inverness and Wick/Thurso have been voiced by board members of Hitrans, the transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands. (Permalink) Far North Line  Beauly: Supervision of passengers leaving via the designated door of an Inverness - Wick service during the stop at the Beauly mini-platform in November 2003.  Conon Bridge: Platform scene at Conon Bridge station on 8 February 2013, first day of the new train services.  |
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Talks are under way to investigate the feasibility of making much greater use of rail to transport the estimated 4 million tonnes of standing and fallen timber from the Flow Country in the North of Scotland to processing markets in the south via Inverness.
(Permalink) Far North Line Timber |
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ONE of the most isolated railway station buildings in Britain has gone on sale, offering potential buyers a wonderful “secret” retreat. The three-bedroom Station Cottage at Altnabreac is a family home but it was originally the railway station and first opened in 1874. It is still used as a request stop on the far north line. [From Richard Buckby]
(Permalink) Far North Line Altnabreac: Altnabreac in its splendid isolation. Looking south towards Forsinard in 1994. The water tank still exists behind the photographer.  Altnabreac: Two trains cross at Altnabreac in November 1963 before the loop was taken out - although the water column survived until the early 1970s. [Actually the mid 1990s. Ed.] The station's 'walk-in catchment ... Altnabreac: A water column still stands defiantly at Altnabreac in the summer of 1971, long after the end of steam. |
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GLASS-ROOFED trains to give tourists a better view of Scotland’s scenery and wildlife have been proposed by the BBC’s Great British Railway Journeys presenter Michael Portillo. The former Conservative transport minister said coaches with windows extending to the roof should run on the “Far North Line”, from Inverness to Wick and Thurso.
The call came as the Scottish Government revealed it had received “very exciting proposals” for planned “scenic trains” among bids for the ScotRail franchise from next year. (Permalink) Far North Line ScotRail  Kyle of Lochalsh: Nearing journey's end on the Kyle line, a train passing Garnmore on 25 April 2013.  Bridge of Orchy: Ben Dorain dwarfs a Black 5, 5305, on the ascent to the horseshoe curve.  Loch Treig Tunnel: On a glorious day in bright sunshine, K4 61994 The Great Marquess and 37676 Loch Rannoch haul The Cathedrals Explorer along the side of Loch Treig south of Tulloch on 8 May. ... |
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The Ayr to Stranraer line is the best performing rural railway line in Scotland.
And that's official following the release of figures by the Office of Rail Regulation that show passenger numbers on the Stranraer line increased dramatically in 2012/13 and are nearly up to the level reached when ferry services operated out of the town. The number of passenger journeys is up a staggering 14.4% and the 60-mile line to Stranraer has outperformed the West Highland Line to Fort William, the West Highand line extension to Mallaig, the Kyle of Lochalsh line, the Oban line and the Far North line to Wick and Thurso. Indeed all the Highland lines saw a reduction in passenger numbers last year except the Far North line which returned growth figures of 0.6%. (Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line Stranraer West Highland Lines  Stranraer: The 12.36 service to Glasgow Central waits to leave Stranraer Harbour on 24 May 2012.  Maybole: A southbound train pulls away from a colourful Maybole station and heads for Girvan on the last day of May 2007.  Girvan: The immaculate interior of the waiting room at Girvan, Scotland's only art deco station, seen on 3 June. Even the ceiling is glossy. The more modern seating is unfortunately not sympathetic, though pr ... |
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Design work is expected to start soon on a new railway station for Conon Bridge in Ross-shire.
Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) and Network Rail have signed a deal on the project. Hitrans, which will provide £100,000 towards the work, said it should mean the new platform could open soon on the Far North Line. A station had served Conon Bridge from 1862 until 1960 when it closed to passenger services. Goods services were withdrawn from the station in 1965. (Permalink) Far North Line Network Rail  Conon Bridge Viaduct: The early morning train for Inverness off the Far North Line crossing the river at Conon Bridge on 23 November 2003 on the way to its next stop at Muir of Ord. |
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THE campaign for a Dornoch rail crossing has received “a massive boost” following a survey which was conducted by a local pressure group.
The Dornoch Rail Link Action Group surveyed more than 500 rail users over the past three months and is delighted with the findings. They show overwhelming support for the crossing which would reduce journey times on the Far North line by 45 minutes. The trip between Wick and Inverness currently takes four hours and 26 minutes. (Permalink) Dornoch Rail Crossing Far North Line  The Mound: A southbound 158 with the afternoon service from the far north turns inland after skirting the shore of Loch Fleet on 29 August 2007. The train is approaching the former junction for Dornoch at The Mo ...  Meikle Ferry: A train from the far north passing the long closed station at Meikle Ferry on 25 August 2007. The station was open for less than 5 years, closing on 1 January 1869, having been originally planned when ...  The Mound: H.R. 0.4.4T 55051 with a train from Dornoch about to leave the causeway before crossing the bridge over Loch Fleet narrows to reach The Mound Junction. |
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The future of 22 rural train stations used by only a handful of passengers every week is under threat after Network Rail said the facilities were 'driving up' the cost of running Scotland's railway.
An industry report highlighted the 'low footfall' stations, the majority of which are in the Highlands, including six which attract an average of one passenger for every 10 trains - or even fewer - that pass through them. The findings will heap pressure on the Scottish Government to reconsider their future when setting out its funding priorities next summer for the period between 2015 and 2019. Network Rail, which owns and operates the UK's track and signals, said it was not always apparent the stations were providing a 'valuable social link' for the high level of subsidy they required. Stations with low footfall have a high ratio of cost per passenger. This drives up the costs of operating trains on these lines A spokesman for the company said: 'Stations with low footfall have a high ratio of cost per passenger use. These stations drive up the costs of operating trains on these lines. 'It is Network Rail's role to highlight these cost drivers to the government and wider industry for consideration.' The report, the Initial Investment Plan for Scotland, called for cost-saving to lower the '700m annual taxpayer support for running the rail network north of the border. Of the 22 low-footfall stations, five are on the West Highland Line to Oban and Mallaig, six on the Far North Line connecting Inverness to Wick and Thurso and six on the line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. But they also include a number of stations on busier routes such as Breich on the Glasgow Central to Edinburgh line and Springfield in Fife. Barry Links in Angus, which has only one train in each direction every day, had the lowest footfall of any Scottish station, with just 90 passengers a year, while its neighbouring station, Golf Street, had 190. Many of the stations in the Highlands are request stops at which trains do not stop unless signalled by a passenger on board a train or at a platform. But the low number of passengers meant the ticket revenue was not even enough to pay for the fuel used by stopping a train and then accelerating out of the station, the IIP report found. The report also highlighted the Girvan to Stranraer line, which it found has only 11 passengers per train, a figure it said was likely to diminish with the closure of Stranraer ferry terminal. By contrast, Edinburgh to Glasgow provides more than one-quarter of ScotRail's revenue and journeys. One-third of the Strathclyde population used a train in the past month, compared with only 11% in the Highlands and North-east, where people are far more dependent on the car. A spokesman for Transport Scotland, which funds the Scottish rail network and is responsible for the ScotRail franchise, would only say that delivering a 'lower cost railway' would be central when it came to specifying funding priorities. Previous attempts to close low-use stations have failed after protests by local communities who claimed they provided an important social link. A similar IIP report produced in 2006 called for a number of stations to be closed but the recommendations were rejected by the then Scottish Executive. However, industry analysts said there was now greater pressure on the UK and Scottish governments to achieve cost savings given the squeeze on public finances and recent findings that Britain's railway costs around 30% more to run than similar European railways. ScotRail, which operates 95% of passenger trains in Scotland, said low-use stations went back to the days of British Rail and were inherited when it was awarded the franchise in 2004. (Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line ScotRail Stranraer West Highland Lines |
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People living in the far north are being asked if they would be more inclined to travel by rail if journey times could be reduced by 45 minutes.
Travel by train from Wick and Thurso to Inverness takes about four hours (Permalink) Dornoch Rail Crossing Far North Line Meikle Ferry: A train from the far north passing the long closed station at Meikle Ferry on 25 August 2007. The station was open for less than 5 years, closing on 1 January 1869, having been originally planned when ... |
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A subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has outlined potential improvements to the Far North Line in the Highlands. Direct Rail Services (DRS) has suggested creating a new railhead, or freight terminus, in Caithness. [From Richard Buckby]
(Permalink) Far North Line  Inverkeithing: 66108 passing through Inverkeithing on 10 August with pipe train for Georgemas Junction.
 Ladybank: A freight crosses over to the up line at the south end of Ladybank station on 20 September 2007, having just come off the single lead junction off the Perth line. The train is a Georgemas Junction - H ... |
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Network Rail engineers are currently working to replace track and signalling equipment on the line around Dalchalm to repair damage caused by a passing freight train.
(Permalink) Far North Line Network Rail  Helmsdale: A barrowload of parcels and mail comes off a northbound train at Helmsdale in November 1963.  Brora: Looking south at Brora in August 1989 as a sprinter passes a northbound 37 hauled service. |
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Photographs taken by rail staff have revealed the depths of snow that have affected the Far North Rail Line and disrupted services to Wick.
(Permalink) Far North Line  Dunrobin Castle: Looking north from Dunrobin in March 2006. Alas the carriage shed has gone. |
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A rail users' group is calling for more trains on the far north line to help ease congestion on the A9 and in Inverness.
(Permalink) A9 Far North Line Inverness  The Mound: Inverness train speeds past The Mound station in July 2004 seen from the goods loading bank at the south end. The former Dornoch branch platform is on the right.  Golspie: Rush hour at Golspie on 30 August 2007 as the 0923 to the far north pulls into the platform. The group had arrived at the station on a tour bus (just visible on the left) 10 minutes earlier. |
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SIGNIFICANT investment is required on the Caithness to Inverness railway line to attract more passengers and shorten journey times, but improvements are being made to the service.
That was the message delivered by Mary Dickson, managing director of First ScotRail, when she addressed the annual general meeting of Friends of the Far North Line in Thurso at the weekend. (Permalink) Far North Line ScotRail  Thurso: 156477 sits at Thurso on the afternoon of 17 March 1999, en route to Wick to then form the last departure of the day back to Inverness. I had travelled from Inverness to Wick on the early morning serv ...  Thurso: DMU 158710 appears to exploring the outer limits of the UK railway system, and in practice it really is, for the driver has the terminus at Thurso in sight. The train is arriving at 08.30 on 8th June ... |
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Michael Peason's latest book in the "Iron Road" series has been launched. This volume covers the lines from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, Thurso and Wick.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line New Book |
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The railway bridge over Shore Road in Inverness was damaged and track slewed at 0600 on the 4th by an excavator on the back of a truck. Shore Road runs down the east side of the River Ness. The Inverness to Kyle and Inverness to Thurso and Wick lines were closed between Dingwall and Inverness, buses operating between Dingwall and Inverness.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line |
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ScotRail's summer timetable (2 June to 28 September) is now available. It is available in two books; ScotRail services and connections excluding Strathclyde, ScotRail services covering Strathclyde.
The following routes continue to see a reduced timetable while a backlog of driver training is made up in the aftermath of the dispute : Edinburgh-Glasgow (half-hourly plus extras in peak hours) Glasgow North Bank (evening timetable) Argyle Line (no services to Coatbridge Central) Maryhill (hourly) Barrhead (locals hourly) West Calder (two Edinburgh-Glasgow trains each way don't run east of Shotts, there are no weekday terminators from Edinburgh) Cowdenbeath (hourly daytime terminators suspended) There are the following innovations : Edinburgh Crossrail with new stations at Brunstane and Newcraighall - runs across Edinburgh from Bathgate to Newcraighall to Dunblane Full Class 322 timetable to North Berwick with twice-daily services each way from/to Glasgow Central High Level Additional services at 0809 from Prestonpans and 0737 from West Calder to Edinburgh Sunday evening service to/from East Kilbride extended to weekday last train times Far North/Kyle Sunday trains retimed to improve connections Other Train Operating Company changes effecting Scotland include : GNER 1900 Kings Cross-Edinburgh terminates Newcastle FX and 2300 Edinburgh-Newcastle withdrawn. Kings Cross-Glasgow services stepped back to allow longer turnround time, some call additionally at Haymarket Arriva Trains Northern reinstate 0947 Leeds-Glasgow and 1410 return (Permalink) Barrhead Brunstane Cowdenbeath East Kilbride Far North Line Kyle Line Maryhill Newcraighall ScotRail |
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EWS Freight trains start running to a new hard standing at Thurso station used by Thurso Building Supplies.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Beauly station is opened after a number of delays in being approved by the Health and Safety Executive).
Click on images for larger versions. (Permalink) Far North Line |
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EWS invests £50,000 in upgrading the Georgemas Junction to Thurso line which it is estimated will lead to the removal of 350,000 truck loads per year.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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The new station at Beauly, built by First Engineering and only one carriage in length, is complete but not yet open due to HSE concerns which have led to only conditional consent.
(Permalink) Far North Line |
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Work to build a new £200,000 Beauly station begins. The station will be served by trains from Kyle of Lochalsh, Thurso and Wick to Inverness. Journey time to Inverness will be 15 minutes. The station facilities will include a 15 metre long single platform (allowing access for disabled passengers and cyclists), a shelter, car park, lighting and public telephone access to train running information. The station will be built by Glasgow based First Engineering.
(Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line |
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The Strategic Rail Authority announced a £84k award of Rail Passenger Partnership funding to Highland Rail Developments towards the £200k cost of reopening Beauly Station (which closed 13 June 1960) from the start of the winter 20001/2 timetable as a very short platform alongside which the two centre doors of a Class 158 will open.
Chris Austin of the SRA and Charles Kennedy MP were photographed afterwards standing on the old platform with the 1152 Kyle of Lochalsh to Edinburgh posing alongside them. (Permalink) Beauly Class 158 Far North Line Kyle Line |
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- Turbostars introduced
- Bike van on Far North lines - New Largs station opened (Permalink) Far North Line |
KML version
