Network Rail has announced a programme of urgent repair works on the Lothbeg seawall, between Brora and Helmsdale.

Recent storms in the area have caused extensive damage to a section of the seawall protecting the railway – washing away 18 metres of the wall in two locations.

Structural engineers have attended the site to assess options to repair the wall, with the work being made more complex because repairs can only take place at low tide.

Specialist track machines and the replacement stone needed to repair the wall have been delivered and permission to work within the area, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has been requested from Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot.

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To allow engineers safe access to the railway to complete this work, ScotRail services on the Far North Line will run between Inverness and Lairg, and a limited service between Wick and Forsinard, with rail replacement road transport running to supplement this.

Repairs are expected to be completed and the line reopened early next week. Passengers are urged to check before travelling with ScotRail or National Rail Enquiries.

Liam Sumpter, Route Director for Network Rail Scotland, said: "Our teams are working hard to repair damage to the seawall near Brora caused during the recent storms. We know how important it is to reopen the Far North Line as quickly as possible, but safety is our top priority.

"We want to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work."

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "We're sorry to customers for the disruption they'll experience, and thank them for their patience, while this vital repair work is completed.

"The safety of our customers and our colleagues is our top priority, so it's essential that the damaged sections of seawall are repaired before we re-introduce rail services.

"To keep customers moving, we'll be running trains between Inverness and Lairg, and between Wick and Forsinard, with replacement bus services connecting journeys through the affected area."