Network Rail has announced a programme of tree and vegetation management on the line between Evanton and Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands.

Between June and September work will be carried out along an 8 mile stretch of the Far North line to clear trees and vegetation from adjacent land within the railway boundary. The work is needed to keep passengers safe and trains punctual and to reduce the risk for lineside neighbours.

Other trees within falling distance of the railway will be selectively felled or cut-back to leave a well-balanced tree canopy. Any heritage, landscape specimen trees will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be retained where it is safe to do so.

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Ahead of the work, environmental surveys have been carried out and the area has been inspected for nesting birds and protected species. We have also worked with our ecologists to minimise the impact of the work on the environment.

Those living closest to the line have been advised about the work by letter with a FAQs section which anticipates and responds to many of the concerns people have raised when we have carried carry out this type of work in other areas.

Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager for the vegetation clearance work said: "Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to ensure that everything which grows lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains.

"Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, Network Rail aims to protect the safety of the operational railway line. This keeps passengers safe and reduces risks for lineside neighbours.

"Elements of this work are unavoidably at night for safety reasons, however the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work."