LISTEN: Freight Train Derails In The Highlands
The train came off the tracks near the Georgemas Junction this morning.
A freight train has derailed in the Highlands, causing major disruption for travellers.
It came off the tracks close to the Georgemas Junction, near Halkirk around 8:00am.
Network Rail says the train was travelling slowly at the time.
It's not known how many people were onboard, but there have been no reported injuries.
Commuters are being warned to expected disruption between Helmsdale and Wick, with some replacement buses running.
The wagons blocking the Wick/Thurso line have now been moved, and services will be resumed.
Operation to rerail the engine is set to continue into the afternoon.
MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Nick King from Network Rail about the incident...
Network Rail spokesperson Nick King said: "A minor derailment involving a freight train carrying industrial pipes occurred shortly before 08:00 today at Georgemas Junction on the Far North line.
"The freight engine’s front bogie (set of wheels) became derailed while the engine was moving a portion of the train’s freight wagons into a sidings.
"The engine was travelling at a very low speed when the incident occurred and no-one has been injured in the incident.
"Engineers and equipment will be brought to the site over the course of today to rerail the engine and remove the train’s remaining wagons, which are currently blocking the passenger line to Wick and Thurso.
"Further details of the timescales for recovery of the derailed engine will be given once engineers on site have completed their assessment of the incident."