ScotRail services to remain suspended after Storm Eowyn causes 'extensive damage'

ScotRail has confirmed that services will not resume until Saturday afternoon and will continue to be “heavily impacted”.

The rail operator has said that customers should not expect any trains to run before 12pm at the earliest as the clean-up from Storm Eowyn continues.

A full assessment of the damage caused to the rail network is expected to take “quite a bit of time”, with Network Rail staff working throughout the night to remove fallen trees and other debris from the tracks.

Extensive damage to overhead lines will also need to be repaired before trains can safely return to service.

A spokesperson for ScotRail said: “The safety of our staff and our customers is our absolute priority, and we will only run trains when it is safe to do so.

“We will update the ScotRail website, app, and our social media channels when we have more information.”

First Bus has also confirmed that services will not be operating across Greater Glasgow for the rest of the day (January 24) due to the level of debris on the roads.

The bus operator said it was “focused” on resuming services tomorrow morning but customers could experience some disruption as a result of the weather conditions.

Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “This storm has caused extensive damage across Scotland’s Railway bringing trees down onto the tracks and overhead powerlines and also damaging stations and other structures.

“Our teams are now working hard to assess the damage, inspect the railway and carry out vital repairs. With dozens of incidents across the country to respond to we will reintroduce services as quickly as possible for our customers.”