SCOTRAIL has announced that Storm Babet will cause major disruption to services from Thursday until Saturday, following Met Office red and amber weather warnings for heavy rain and high winds.

Storm Babet is forecast to bring exceptionally wet conditions across parts of eastern Scotland on Thursday and Friday, with very strong winds in the northern half of the country. A period of wet weather is set to continue across Scotland through Saturday.

As a result, ScotRail has said services will be withdrawn on some routes in the north and northeast of the country.

From the start of service on Thursday, ScotRail will suspend services between:

  • Aberdeen and Elgin
  • Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Fife
  • Perth and Aberdeen via Dundee
  • Dunblane and Perth
  • Perth and Aviemore
  • Tain and Wick/Thurso
  • All Fife Circle services

This will affect services between Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen/Inverness, and between Edinburgh Waverley and Aberdeen/Inverness.

Due to the red weather warning and the likelihood of flooding and poor driving conditions, customers on these routes are advised not to travel as no alternative transport is available.

READ MORE: What is a Met Office red weather warning and is it dangerous?

The train operator expects the line closures to last until early Saturday, October 21, however this is dependent on the weather conditions and any repair work to railway infrastructure that is required.

Other routes across the network will be impacted by precautionary speed restrictions, meaning services may be subject to delay or cancellation.

Customers are also being advised by ScotRail that they should only travel if necessary on the routes affected by the weather warnings, to expect delays, and to check their journey before travelling on the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels.

Customers whose journey has been cancelled or disrupted due to adverse weather can travel one day before or two days after the date on their ticket. Customers can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “The Met Office has issued red and amber weather warnings for Storm Babet, with heavy rain across eastern Scotland, and heavy rain and high winds in central and northern Scotland.  

“We know the impact that the withdrawal of some train services will have on customers, but our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. This is a necessary step to ensure everyone’s safety during the severe weather.

“In order to keep our customers and staff safe, speed restrictions will be in place as a precautionary measure on other routes in Scotland, which will mean longer journey times.

“For routes in the south and west of Scotland, customers are encouraged check their journey before setting off, and keep an eye on our website, mobile app, or social media channels for live updates.”