ScotRail is urging passengers to plan ahead this summer as vital engineering works take place on the Far North Line.
The rail operator has confirmed that no trains will run north of Dingwall from Sunday 8 June to Monday 30 June, while Network Rail carries out a major £11.5 million improvement programme aimed at boosting the long-term reliability of services in the north of Scotland.
The project will see key sections of track renewed and restored, helping to secure the future of a route that is as crucial as it is scenic.
To keep people moving, ScotRail has put an alternative travel plan in place throughout the three-week works.
Replacement buses will run between Inverness and both Wick and Thurso, with stops at several important stations including Invergordon, Tain, Ardgay and Lairg.
A small number of trains will continue to run between Inverness and Dingwall, calling at intermediate stations.
Trains between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh will not be affected and will run to the usual timetable.
There are a few changes to note around the dates the closure begins and ends.
On Sunday 8 June, the 17:54 service from Inverness to Wick will be replaced by a bus.
On Monday 30 June, buses will run in place of the 06:18 and 08:02 Wick to Inverness services.
ScotRail says all other services that day are expected to run as scheduled.
Due to limited access, rail replacement buses will not serve Altnabreac or Scotscalder, so passengers using those stations will need to make alternative arrangements.
Travellers are advised to check their journey in advance and allow extra time.
Dalchalm level crossing will also be closed for the duration of the works, with traffic diverted via the A9.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, acknowledged the short-term disruption but stressed the long-term benefits.
“We know how important the Far North Line is to the communities it serves,” he said.
“This is a vital investment in the future of the route, and we’re working hard to keep customers moving with replacement buses and limited train services where we can.”
Ross Moran, Route Director at Network Rail Scotland, echoed that sentiment.
“This essential investment will breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most scenic and historic railways,” he said.
“Much of the infrastructure we’re replacing is nearly a century old, and once complete, passengers will see the difference in the quality of their journey.”
Both ScotRail and Network Rail have thanked customers and communities for their patience and understanding while the work is carried out.
