Highland passengers urged to plan ahead as £11.5m upgrades begin on Far North Line

Rail passengers are being warned of upcoming disruption as £11.5m upgrades are set to begin on The Far North Line in the Highlands.

Network Rail have confirmed rail replacement services ahead of the multi-million pound works beginning in June, which will see no trains will operate north of Dingwall from Sunday, June 8 to Monday, June 30.

The works, which will refurbish a five-mile stretch of track between Brora and Helmsdale and replace almost nine miles of track between Invergordon and Fearn, are said to increase the reliability of rail services for passengers.

Dalchalm level crossing will also be temporarily closed during the work, with traffic diverted via the A9.

During the closing of the track, buses will replace trains between Inverness and Wick/Thurso, serving key stations including Invergordon, Tain, Ardgay, and Lairg.

A limited number of train services will operate between Inverness and Dingwall, calling at intermediate stations, while services between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh will run as normal.

ScotRail services between Inverness and Wick are due to operate as normal apart from on Sunday, June 8, the 5.54pm, the Inverness to Wick service will be replaced by bus and on Monday, June 30, the 6.18am and 8.02am Wick to Inverness services will also be replaced by bus.

Rail replacement buses will not serve Altnabreac or Scotscalder stations, due to access limitations.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We know how important the Far North Line is to the communities it serves, and while this work means some temporary disruption, it’s a vital investment in the long-term future of the route.

“We’re committed to keeping our customers moving throughout the works, with replacement buses in operation and limited train services running where possible. We’re grateful for your patience and understanding.”

Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, added: “This essential investment will breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most scenic and historic routes. By replacing and refurbishing infrastructure – some of it nearly a century old – we’ll help provide safer, smoother, and more reliable journeys.

“We fully appreciate that closing the line will cause some disruption, and we’re grateful for the patience and understanding of passengers and local communities as we carry out this important project.”