Train speed restrictions and overheated lines - heatwave hits Scotland's rail network
Speed restrictions are in place on key routes, as temperatures in Scotland top 30 degrees
Speed restrictions are in place on key rail routes in Scotland while overhead wires have been tripped, as the rail network struggles to cope with extreme heat.
Network Rail confirmed train speeds would be limited between 1pm and 8pm on Monday, which will have an impact on most routes, with a 20mph speed restriction on the stretch of rail between Hyndland and Finnieston in Glasgow, which is thought to be the busiest route in Scotland.
Temperatures over 30 in parts of Scotland
It comes after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for Monday and Tuesday in eastern, southern and central parts of Scotland, where some temperatures exceeding 30C.
Edinburgh passed the 30 mark on Monday afternoon along with Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, where the mercury reached 30.3.
Network Rail tweeted: "We will be implementing further speed restrictions between 13:00-20:00 today. These restrictions will impact most train routes during the warmest part of the day, helping to minimise potential damage caused by todays forecasted temperatures."
Trouble on the trains
Restrictions will be in place between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley; Dumfries and Carlisle as well as Glasgow Queen Street and Aberdeen; Inverness; Oban and Fort William and Edinburgh Waverley and North Berwick, with delays of around 10 minutes expected, according to the ScotRail website.
The train operator urged passengers to "plan ahead", tweeting: "Please please please, plan ahead if you're out, it's going to be extremely hot later today. Take water with you, wear sensible clothing - hats/sunglasses, if you've got elderly neighbours/relatives, check up on them."
In Glasgow, ScotRail warned rail passengers they may face delays as overhead lines were tripping and resetting due to the heat between Glasgow Queen Street Low Level and Hyndland.
Network Rail Scotland tweeted that it was investigating an electrical fault with the overhead lines between Glasgow Queen Street Low Level and Hyndland "caused by the extreme heat" and said the electricity supply will remain switched off until the repairs are carried out.
"Follow sensible advice"
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon told people to "follow sensible advice" as temperatures soar.
The First Minister tweeted: "The next couple of days are set to be exceptionally hot. Please take care and follow sensible advice - keep out of direct sun; stay well hydrated; and look out for others who may be suffering from the heat."