SCOTRAIL has provided an update on a key line which remains closed as passengers are set to face more disruption.
Network Rail closed the line between Brora and Helmsdale earlier this week after significant damage was identified on the line’s sea defences.
Passengers have been subject to delays, cancellations and alterations as a result, and ScotRail has provided alternative transport to those affected.
Network Rail hoped to reopen the Wick to Inverness line on Wednesday, but pictures shared on social media show further damage to the defences has been found at Lothbeg.
ScotRail has now confirmed a number of services throughout the morning and afternoon will terminate at Lairg and Invergordon.
Journeys are expected to be affected until around 6pm today while engineers work to repair the new damage.
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A statement from Network Rail said: “We’ve begun repairs to the railway’s sea defences at Lothbeg, between Brora and Helmsdale on the Far North Line.
“Unfortunately, further damage was discovered when the team arrived, meaning the line won’t reopen on Wednesday as expected”
Sharing the images, it said: “As you can see, machinery and the initial delivery of rock armour have arrived.
“We’re working between the high tides to repair the damage. We’ll share another update early afternoon on Wednesday with more robust timescales for the railway to reopen.”
A statement from ScotRail added: “The line between Brora and Helmsdale remains closed but works have been ongoing since yesterday to repair the damage to the sea defences.”
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