For the next 11 days, there will be no train services between Inverness and Elgin or between Inverness and Aberdeen due to work taking place at the new Inverness Airport station.

The work will start at 23.55 today, Friday, 14th October and continue until 04.45 on Wednesday, 26 October.

Because of the nature of the work and the time required to complete certain tasks, it cannot be completed while train services are operating.

Network Rail engineers will be working 24/7 between Inverness and Nairn, carrying out a wider programme of enhancements associated with the new station development including:

• Completion of the new airport station.
• Installation of a passing loop through the station.
• Upgrading sections of track and signalling within the area.
• Opening of a new pedestrian access bridge and closure of Petty level crossing.

Alternative travel arrangements during the closure are as follows:

• Train services between Elgin and Inverness will be replaced by buses calling at Forres and Nairn.
• Train services between Aberdeen and Inverness will be replaced by buses between Inverness and Nairn.
• An early morning bus to Aberdeen will depart from Elgin at 4.13am, calling at all stations to provide an early arrival at Aberdeen.
• In the evenings, the 22.00 Aberdeen to Inverness train will terminate at Inverurie, with a rail-replacement bus service for onward travel between Inverurie and Inverness.

Anyone intending to travel Between Inverness, Elgin, and Aberdeen during this period should plan their journey in advance and check how the closure may affect their journey by checking on the ScotRail app or by visiting www.scotrail.co.uk.

More information about the development of Inverness Airport station can be found at www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects.

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

“We know lengthy line closures can be a real inconvenience for customers, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving during the work.

“I would encourage customers to plan ahead using the ScotRail app or website and remember that journey times will be longer than normal where replacement buses are in use.

“I’d also like to thank our customers for their patience in bearing with us while this important rail link for the area is delivered.”