A key rail route through Lochaber is to remain closed throughout the weekend after a massive landslide.
More than 100 tonnes of mud and stones were deposited across 230ft of track between Fort William and Mallaig after the hillside above the railway gave way in heavy rain on Thursday evening near Lochailort.
Network Rail teams worked throughout the day in continuing bad weather to try and clear the tracks yesterday.
However, a spokesman confirmed last night that the line would remain closed throughout the weekend.
Trains north from Glasgow Queen Street are terminating at Fort William with a replacement bus service onwards to Mallaig.
It has also disrupted the popular Jacobite steam train.
Engineers are working to clear debris and floodwater away from the line before starting work on repairing damage to the infrastructure beneath.
Repairs will also have to be carried out on the slope above the line before it is safe to run trains again.
A ScotRail Alliance spokesman said: “Our team has been on site since Thursday assessing the damage and making repairs.
“We are working to get the line open as soon as possible, but significant repairs will be needed to fix the damage caused to both the railway and slope above.
“We are grateful to customers for their patience during the disruption. Buses are running in place of trains between Fort William and Mallaig to help keep people on the move.
“However, roads are also affected by the landslip and divisionary routes may be used, meaning extended journey times. We apologise to customers who are affected by this disruption.”
Engineers expect to take around 48-hours to clear material from the line, replace washed away ballast beneath the track and then carry out work to stabilise the slope above the line to minimise future landslip risks.
The nearby A830 Fort William to Mallaig road was also affected by the landslide and had to close for around 20 hours.
It is currently open with one lane running under the control of temporary traffic lights.
Bear Scotland teams are continuing to work to clear the remaining debris, as well as culverts and ditches next to the route.
