Train services have been cancelled between Aberdeen and Inverurie due to flooding on the track.
Network Rail said that flooding between Dyce and Inverurie means that the route could not be used “for safety reasons” and that trains will be suspended until the water level drops to a more suitable level.
Engineers, tasked to the scene, found water flowing over the retaining wall washing silt and debris onto the line.
Rail bosses confirmed the line would remain closed until water levels subsided.
This evening, work to clear the line remains ongoing, resulting in further cancellations and disruption.
In a statement, Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “We’re sorry to customers who experience disruption to their journey as a result of this incident.
“Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more is entitled to claim compensation through our Delay Repay Guarantee. Just keep hold of your tickets and claim on our website or mobile app.”
All trains stopping in Inverurie except two
Services between Inverness and Aberdeen have been started and terminated at Inverurie today as engineers worked on the track.
There were a couple of exceptions, with both the 3:35pm Inverness to Aberdeen and the 3:50pm Aberdeen to Inverness trains able to operate to schedule.
Local Inverurie to Aberdeen services have also been operating to and from Dyce amidst the disruption.
The transport provider said it had arranged for train tickets to be accepted on local buses, apart from Insch as it is not covered by local bus agreements.
NEW: Services between Aberdeen and Inverness/Inverurie will be cancelled, delayed or revised. https://t.co/to4JZt6NYy pic.twitter.com/jeGK1ixJOo
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) January 2, 2024
What buses can you take instead?
ScotRail initially struggled to confirm rail replacement transport for passengers, but now have coach buses running.
A ScotsRail spokesperson said: “We have a replacement coach currently operating from Aberdeen to Inverness and a replacement coach in place to operate a shuttle service between Aberdeen and Inverurie.”
“Similarly, we have an additional two full size coaches and one minibus coach confirmed from Inverurie.”
Those were set to arrive 3:30pm “to meet any additional demand that may be required.”
Stranded travellers can also use several local buses to make their journeys.
Routes 10 and 10B between Inverness and Aberdeen are both free to people whose train journey has been disrupted.
In addition, routes 31 from Elgin to Forres, 35 from Elgin to Aberdeen and 37 from Inverurie to Aberdeen are all available to people impacted by the train service disruptions.
ScotRail said the train ticket will allow travel on those buses with no additional cost.
People who drove to a different station will be able to get the train back to where they left their car using their original ticket. ScotRail said people in that situation should talk to a staff member, who can validate their ticket.
The train provider said it would keep passengers updated in person at stations and online via social media.
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