Snowploughs battle blizzards as ScotRail and LNER services hit by disruption

Rail services in the north of Scotland are facing widespread disruption as heavy snowfall sweeps the region, with some roads already described as "impassable." Snowploughs have been deployed to keep key railway lines clear, including routes through Kintore in Aberdeenshire and further north towards Wick.

The Met Office has issued fresh amber warnings for snow and ice across much of the Highlands, Grampians, and Northern Isles, effective from 6pm today until 10am tomorrow. Commuters have been warned of blizzard-like conditions, with an expected accumulation of 5-10cm of snow at low levels and 20-30cm on higher ground. A yellow warning previously in place across the north has been extended until midnight.

ScotRail has confirmed that services between Aberdeen and Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee, and Inverness to Wick/Thurso are unlikely to operate until at least midday. Overnight, Network Rail teams worked to clear snow and apply de-icing fluid on key routes including Montrose, Aberdeen, Elgin, Kingussie-Moy, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Fort William, where snow depths reached around 20cm.

LNER also reported “major disruption” to services north of Dundee, which is expected to continue into Sunday afternoon. In total, 12 of ScotRail’s 36 routes have been affected, including services from Glasgow and Edinburgh, with passengers urged to check the ScotRail website for updates before travelling.

Image: Network Rail