Major upgrade works totalling £11.5 million are set to begin this Sunday on the Far North Line, necessitating a three-week closure of part of the route.

This railway, dating back to the 19th century and serving as the UK's northernmost line, requires essential upgrades to maintain its safety and performance, with some components nearly a century old.

The significant investment will deliver improvements including the refurbishment of a five-mile stretch between Brora and Helmsdale, and the replacement of almost nine miles of track between Invergordon and Fearn.

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This work is being carried out by Network Rail as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Scotland's railway infrastructure and ensure more reliable journeys for passengers.

To allow engineers to complete the work safely and efficiently, the line will be closed between Sunday, 8th June, and Monday, 30th June.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, acknowledged the disruption: "While closing the line is never ideal, this concentrated period of work allows us to deliver the vital upgrades efficiently and avoid prolonged disruption over a longer timeframe. I’m grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding, and we look forward to reopening the line with improvements that will benefit everyone who travels on it."

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, confirmed the alternative travel arrangements: "To keep customers moving throughout the works, we’ll have a rail replacement plan in operation, with buses and a limited train service running where possible. We thank our customers for their patience, and look forward to welcoming them back on the line when the works complete."