Rail passengers in the far north could still be facing disruption tomorrow due to a landslide which is currently blocking the North Highland line.
Firefighters were alerted to the landslip just north of Kikdonan, close to Helmsdale in Sutherland, at about 5.30pm.
Network Rail has now said it is “likely that train services will be affected tonight and tomorrow”, and has sent a team of engineers to deal with the problem.
Two train services between Inverness and Wick have already been affected as a result.
A section of the adjacent A897 road at Kildonan Lodge has also been closed off by police due to the landslip and flooding.
A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “Owing to a landslip the railway is closed at Kildonan, affecting train services between Inverness and Wick.
“Engineers are en route to the site and further information will be available once the damage has been assessed, but it is likely that train services will be affected tonight and tomorrow. In the meantime, passengers should check with the train operator for alternative travel arrangements.”
A message displayed on Scotrail’s website states that “disruption is expected until 8pm” tonight, and that services will either be cancelled, delayed or revised.
It adds: “We apologise for the delay to your journey today”.
Earlier this afternoon, firefighters form Helmsdale were called out to the scene to tackle flooding affecting two properties in the Kildonan area.
A fire service spokeswoman said they received a call to deal with “severe localised flooding” at about 4.30pm.
She said that the crew of four used spades and shovels to divert water away from the homes and were helped by a local resident with a digger.
