Network Rail engineers and contractors have been continuing to work around the clock to repair the railway after the destructive winds and rain of Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc on Friday.

ScotRail said there had been about 500 incidents involving obstructions or damage north of the border alone, including 120 fallen trees. The disruption continued into the weekend, but trains are running on most lines again today. However, buses are replacing trains between Kilwinning, Ayr and Largs, between Paisley Gilmour Street, Gourock and Wemyss Bay, and between Ayr and Stranraer.

Replacement buses are running on the Heart of Wales line between Shrewsbury and Swansea and also on the Conwy Valley branch between Llandudno, Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, while repairs continue.

In England, flooding between Reading and Taunton means that speed restrictions have been imposed until 13.00, and there are delays between Hastings, Tonbridge, London Cannon Street and Charing Cross, after fallen trees were removed from the line. Trains were not running early today between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier, again because of flooding, but it was hoped that trains could be restored by 11.00.

Meanwhile, damage in north west England has now been repaired.

Network Rail said more than 60 incidents had affected the West Coast Main Line, including collapsing walls and even a roof which had been blown away. Apart from the main line, the weather had also prevented trains from running on the Cumbrian Coast line, the Settle & Carlisle and the branches to Morecambe and Windermere.

Network Rail North West route director Phil James said: ‘I’m extremely proud of my teams who’ve battled difficult conditions to ensure we can get the railway back up and running for passengers as soon as possible.

‘Our use of technology and helicopter inspections from above, are hugely important to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively.’

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