ScotRail plans line closures as Storm Boelo approaches Scotland
Services in western and northern Scotland are due to stop from Saturday evening as an amber wind warning takes effect; ticket holders have flexible travel options.
ScotRail plans to close routes in western and northern Scotland from Saturday evening, 24 October, as Storm Boelo approaches. An amber wind warning is due to run from 21:00 on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday across mainland Scotland and the Western Isles, bringing a risk of widespread travel disruption.
Which ScotRail routes are due to close?
Network Rail Scotland said services south and west of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire would stop from 21:00 on Saturday. The BBC specified that the Glasgow Central–Ayr line would close between Kilwinning and Ayr. The Oban and Mallaig lines are due to close from about 22:00, with the BBC identifying the affected sections as Crianlarich to Oban and Fort William to Mallaig.
On Sunday, closures are planned from the start of service between Kyle of Lochalsh and Achnashellach, and between Helmsdale and Wick or Thurso, the BBC reported. Network Rail said trains would also run at reduced speeds across large parts of Scotland from Saturday night into Sunday, making longer journeys likely even where services continue.
ScotRail said passengers holding tickets for Saturday or Sunday could use them on any service on Saturday or after routes reopen, including on Monday. It advised passengers to check their journeys and consider alternative arrangements where possible. The announced times describe planned closures; they do not establish that every closure has already taken effect.
Storm Boelo wind warning and wider disruption
The Met Office forecast widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph, reaching 80 mph in exposed coastal areas, according to the BBC. A yellow warning covers most of Scotland from midday Saturday. Forecasters warned that flying debris could cause injuries and danger to life, while power cuts, damage to buildings and trees, bridge closures and disruption to phone coverage are also possible. Winds are expected to ease from the west through Sunday.
The warning follows heavy rain brought by Storm Austen on Friday. The Scottish Government convened its resilience room that day; Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said it would monitor conditions over the weekend and provide regular public updates. Earlier NewsJaws coverage described Storm Austen's rain warning and planned rail speed restrictions; the Boelo closures and ticket flexibility are the new arrangements for this weekend.
Police Scotland's Supt Andy Barclay urged drivers to consider whether journeys were really necessary. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution advised extreme caution near shorelines, particularly exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers; its water safety lead, Michael Avril, warned that conditions could knock people off their feet or wash them into the sea.
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Sources and context
- Some rail lines set to close as Scotland braces itself for Storm BoeloEvening Standard (report includes PA Archive/PA Graphics material)
- Trains cancelled and roads warnings as Scotland prepares for Storm BoeloBBC News
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.