ScotRail

Train Trouble: When Trees and Storms Team Up!

Storm Bert and rogue trees create chaos for ScotRail passengers. Who knew nature was such a trainspotter?

Storm Bert has rolled in like an uninvited guest at a garden party, and ScotRail is feeling the effects. The storm has forced the cancellation of a whopping 10 trains between Inverness and Elgin. With speed restrictions now in place, passengers are left fuming at the lost time and missed connections. It seems we'll have to wait a little longer to see if Storm Bert will relent and allow the trains to run smoothly again.

But it’s not just Storm Bert making headlines; Glasgow is also experiencing some railway drama! A tree decided it was high time for a mid-morning nap on the railway line between Glasgow Queen Street and Bishopbriggs. Who knew that trees could be such troublemakers? Reports flooded in at around 10.20 am on Saturday, causing chaos for commuters and frustration among ScotRail staff as they scrambled to remove the obstacle.

Fortunately, the crack ScotRail team cleared the fallen tree, and services between Alloa and Glasgow Queen Street are back to normal. It’s always a relief when Mother Nature doesn’t completely derail our travel plans. But this isn’t the first time we’ve seen trees causing a ruckus on the tracks; it seems to be a growing trend. Whether it’s Storm Bert or other wild weather, these natural elements love to show off their disruptive capabilities!

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? First off, if you’re traveling this week, pack a good book and maybe a snack, just in case. Secondly, let’s always remember the wonderful outdoors can be both beautiful and unpredictable. One moment you’re admiring the lush greenery, and the next you could find yourself in a tree-tastrophe on the train tracks. Remember folks, stay safe, keep an eye on the forecast, and may your journeys be uninterrupted.

Did you know that the longest train journey in the world is actually 18,000 miles from Portugal to Vietnam? Now that’s one trip that wouldn’t be interrupted by a wee storm! And here's another nugget: trains are a sustainable mode of transport, emitting 85% less carbon per passenger mile than cars! So while Storm Bert may have been a hassle, don't let it stop you from hopping aboard the eco-friendly express!