Train on Inverness to Wick railway line struck by tree to be 'rescued' as passengers warned of disruption

A train that struck a tree branch in the Highlands is to be ‘rescued’ after sustaining damage.

National Rail warned passengers that services in the Highlands would be disrupted following the incident between Fearn and Invergordon on Friday morning.

The 8.02am Wick to Inverness service was struck by a tree branch, with the train sustaining “some damage”.

As a result, ScotRail were forced to terminate the service short and the train will need to be “rescued”.

The operator said services between Inverness and Wick will be subject to delays, cancellations and revisions.

Both the 12:45pm service from Dingwall to Inverness and the 2pm service from Inverness to Wick have been cancelled.

ℹ️ #Fearn – A train has struck a tree between Invergrodon and Fearn which is causing disruption to journeys between Inverness and Wick.

The following alterations will be made to services –

08:02 Wick to Inverness terminates Invergordon. Replacement transport is expected on site…
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) February 2, 2024

On the Dingwall service, the operator say ticket acceptance is in place with Stagecoach North.

Replacement transport has been confirmed for the 2pm Inverness to Wick service.

A National Rail statement read: “A train has struck a tree between Invergordon and Fearn which is causing disruption to journeys between Inverness and Wick.

“The 8.02am Wick to Inverness has reported striking a tree branch between Fearn and Invergordon and has sustained some damage.

“ScotRail have had to terminate this service short and the service will need to be rescued.

“We anticipate disruption will continue until 4pm.”