News - A9
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The owner of a popular takeaway at Dunkeld Railway Station has been unanimously granted permission to move his business to a site in town. The planning application attracted 18 letters of support and seven objections. Perth and Kinross Councils planning and placemaking committee considered the application submitted by Orkun Cevic who runs The Craft Diner.
(Permalink) A9 Dualling Dunkeld Station car park  Dunkeld and Birnam: Passengers from The Royal Scotsman standing in Dunkeld station transfer from train to bus for a visit to Glamis Castle. |
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A North rail campaign group hopes the Scottish Government 'avoids the temptation' to fully dual the A9 and listens less to the 'powerful' roads lobby.
(Permalink) A9 Friends of the Far North Line Highland Main Line  Edendon Signal Box: Putting the second track back 11 years after it was lifted - a southbound Highland Main Line train passes a continuous corridor of new concrete sleepers between Dalnaspidal and Blair Atholl in 1977. N ...  Ballinluig: Southbound service passing under one of the two new flyovers at Ballinluig. To the right of the train the A9 dual carriageway can be seen which now has the national maximum speed limit of 70mph. |
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Plans to 'dual' the A9 at Dunkeld will be unveiled in the coming months, but what are they likely to include? The Scottish Government maintains it is ...
(Permalink) A9 Birnam Dual carriageway Dunkeld Single track Dunkeld and Birnam: Passengers from The Royal Scotsman standing in Dunkeld station transfer from train to bus for a visit to Glamis Castle. |
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Network Rail will shortly demolish the existing bridge under the Highland Mainline railway at Lynebeg, near Inverness, and replace it with a new structure. It is part of the advance works for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project.
(Permalink) A9 A9 Dualling Lynebeg Moy  Moy: Network Rail will shortly demolish the existing bridge under the Highland Mainline railway at Lynebeg, near Inverness, and replace it with a new structure (seen here). It is part of the advance works ... |
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Campaigners have criticised Highland Council for lobbying for the completion of the A9 and A96 dualling while ignoring the potential of rail routes. [Full article requires subscription. -RS]
(Permalink) A9 A96 Friends of the Far North Line Highland Council  Dalanraoch Signal Box [3rd]: Tougher competition from the new A9 is evident as this Class 40-hauled Highland Main Line train approaches Dalanraoch in 1977. Ballinluig: Southbound service passing under one of the two new flyovers at Ballinluig. To the right of the train the A9 dual carriageway can be seen which now has the national maximum speed limit of 70mph. |
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A rail campaign group that criticised Highland Council over road upgrading has been told that most people will continue to opt for the car.
(Permalink) A9 A96 Far North Line Friends of the Far North Line Highland Council |
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A rail campaign group has accused Highland Council of having a 'head in the sand' attitude over its support for major road upgrading.
(Permalink) A9 A96 Aberdeen and Inverness Line Highland Main Line  Findhorn Viaduct [Tomatin]: The Findhorn Viaduct on the line from Inverness to Perth. Photo taken from the A9.  Castle Stuart Platform: New single track replaces the former double track route between Inverness and Nairn, as seen from the front of an Aberdeen bound DMU in the late 1960s. Ballinluig: Southbound service passing under one of the two new flyovers at Ballinluig. To the right of the train the A9 dual carriageway can be seen which now has the national maximum speed limit of 70mph. |
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Works advance in preparation for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project
Work is underway at Lynebeg in the Scottish Highlands as Network Rail engineers prepare for the reconstruction of the rail bridge near Moy as part of advance works for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project. [The location is just south east of the former Moy station. The new 'Lynebeg Left-in Left-Out Junction' will be laid out at Lynebeg and give access to Moybeg and Moy. -RS] (Permalink) A9 A9 Dualling Lynebeg Moy  Moy: Work is underway at Lynebeg in the Scottish Highlands as Network Rail engineers prepare for the reconstruction of the rail bridge near Moy as part of advance works for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy ... |
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Anyone who has driven along the stretch of the A9 that passes Dunkeld and Birnam this month may have noticed an intriguing shipping container next to the station of the two adjoining towns.
(Permalink) A9 Dunkeld and Birnam |
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A rail campaigner has questioned an 'extraordinary intervention' by leading public sector figures in support of dualling the A9 and A96 roads.
(Permalink) A82 A9 A96 Far North Line Highland Main Line Inverness and Nairn Railway West Highland Railway |
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Transport Scotland say all projects must be delivered in line with its net-zero ambitions.
(Permalink) A82 A9 A96 Highland Main Line Inverness and Nairn Railway West Highland Railway |
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Transport secretary Graeme Dey met Dunkeld and Birnam locals last week.
(Permalink) A9 A9 dualling Accessibility Dunkeld and Birnam Low platforms  Dunkeld and Birnam: A morning Edinburgh - Inverness service calls at Dunkeld in November 2003. |
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Avalanche with 400m run-out occurred late at night at Drumochter.
(Permalink) A9 Avalanche Druimuachdar Summit Drumochter Summit Snow |
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A trunk road bridge will be out of action for more than a fortnight with 18-miles detour in place. During the closures all traffic will be diverted via the A9 to Kingussie and the A86 to Laggan. Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland's North West Representative said: 'This £235,000 project for the A889 Dalwhinnie Rail Bridge will see the removal of the temporary road barriers and traffic lights on the structure, and replacing them with permanent, safer and more reliable fixtures.'
(Permalink) A86 A889 A9 Dalwhinnie |
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Caithness is playing a key role in a £195k project which hopes to show that moving timber by rail is a viable and greener alternative to using roads.
(Permalink) A9 A99 Dalcross Far North Line Georgemas Junction Hitrans Inverness Network Rail Norbord Scottish Forestry Timber Transport Scotland Victa Railfreight |
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Hundreds of lorry loads of timber could be removed from the A9 in Ross-shire after almost £200,000 was allocated to a rail freight trial by Victa Railfreight.
(Permalink) A9 Dalcross Far North Line Georgemas Junction Hitrans Inverness Network Rail Norbord Scottish Forestry Timber Transport Scotland Victa Railfreight |
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ScotRail has marked the 25th anniversary of the official reopening of Camelon station today, Friday, 4 October 2019.
Passenger services at the station were restored on this date in 1994, following the initial closure of Falkirk Camelon in 1967, which was located at the opposite side of the A9 to the current station. (Permalink) A9 Camelon  Camelon: A Dunblane to Edinburgh service, with buckshee first class, pulls into Camelon on 7 June. In the distance the electrification metalwork conceals the shell of Carmuirs East box. I'm guessing it's been ... |
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Campaigners claiming there is a lack of investment in the Highland rail network fear it will result in more freight being transported on the A9 as the road improves.
(Permalink) A9 Highland Main Line |
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Rail passengers doubtless welcomed the recent news that Transport Scotland had awarded a £10 million contract for upgrading crossing loops at Aviemore and Pitlochry as part of a wider £57m programme to enhance the largely single-track Highland Main Line (HML) from Perth to Inverness. But - compared with the steady progress of the £3bn dualling of the parallel A9 road - is that rail funding enough to make trains fully competitive with the car, the coach and the lorry?
(Permalink) A9 Aviemore David Spaven Highland Main Line Inverness Perth |
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Desperate motorists queued for a two-vehicle Highland ferry today after the A9 was shut by a crash.
(Permalink) A9 Cromarty Ferry |
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Scotland's killer road has just got more deadly - while the safest form of transport wasn't even given a look-in, argues David Spaven. The crude politics of the Perth-Inverness transport corridor will just not go away. Despite the safety gloss being presented to the public, new evidence obtained from the Scottish Government by the Rail Freight Group (RFG) shows that the planned increase in lorry speed limits from 40mph to 50mph on single-carriageway sections of the A9 is being driven by 'operational benefits' - and more lives will be lost as the price of government helping to keep truckers competitive.
(Permalink) A9 David Spaven Highland Main Line Rail Freight Group |
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Rail freight and road hauliers are competing on a playing field that is far from level, says David Spaven.
(Permalink) A9 David Spaven Highland Main Line |
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Construction work has begun on a new £3.8m link road between Gleneagles station and the A9 in preparation for next year's Ryder Cup golf competition.
The work will also extend the car park at the railway station, which lies on the opposite side of the A9 to the world famous Perthshire golf course. The scheme is aimed at improving road safety and access to the station. [From Richard Buckby] (Permalink) A9 Gleneagles  Gleneagles: Running slightly late, the 1711 to Glasgow Queen Street departs Gleneagles on 16 June, formed by 170 410.  Gleneagles: Looking north at Gleneagles in September 2004. The main line through platforms are to the right with the disused Crieff branch platform on the left.  Gleneagles: Platform scene at Gleneagles looking south in the summer of 1964. Black 5 44850 is about to leave with a northbound train on the main line, while a recently arrived train off the Crieff branch stands ... |
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Calls to raise HGV speed limits on the A9 could damage plans to boost train services, says David Spaven.
I was delighted to witness the launch of the Lifting the Spirit trial whisky train service from Elgin to Grangemouth last month - a tangible example of how rail could be attracting freight away from Scotland's trunk roads. In the longer term, the new train service has the potential to secure a significant freight modal switch away from the A95 and A9 roads on to rail services to Central Scotland. But, worryingly, moves to increase lorry speed limits on the A9 could undermine this innovative attempt to take advantage of safer and more sustainable rail freight. Lifting the Spirit is a collaboration between big distilling companies such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard, the rail industry, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, local authorities and the European Union Foodport project to improve the logistics of food and drink distribution and to cut carbon emissions. An added incentive is that the initiative might help to cut the toll of fatalities and injuries on the A9. (Permalink) A9 A95 David Spaven Elgin Grangemouth  Elgin: DBS 66097 brings a train of empty whisky tanks and containers into Elgin Up Loop on 13th September 2013, prior to propelling back into Elgin Yard. The movement was in connection with the next day's i ...  Elgin East: 66097 runs round its train of empty whisky tanks and containers at Elgin Yard on 13th September. The platform side of the former GNoSR passenger station has seen better days, but the main building is ... |
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Tilting trains should run on lines north to Aberdeen and Inverness to cut journey times by 20 per cent so rail could better compete with road travel, a transport think tank has urged.
The move would shorten rail trips from Edinburgh to Aberdeen trips to less than 2 hours and to Inverness to 2 hours 40 minutes, according to the Scottish Association of Public Transport (SAPT). The group argued that tilting diesel trains such as Voyagers, which can go round corners faster, would become available when other lines are electrified. It fears that without significant improvements, rail travel to northern Scotland will become increasingly unattractive as driving times are reduced with the dualling of the A9 and A96. (Permalink) A9 A96 Aberdeen Highland Main Line Inverness Scottish Association of Public Transport Tilting  Dalwhinnie: A Glasgow Queen Street - Inverness service runs north through Dalwhinnie station on 25 August 2007.  Fordoun: The morning HST service from Leeds to Aberdeen passes the former station at Fordoun (closed 1956) between Laurencekirk and Stonehaven on 20 October 2012.  Perth: A4 60019 'Bittern' restarts from Perth in the mid 1960s with a Glasgow Buchanan Street - Aberdeen train. |
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Racing to build a safer road north forfeits the alternative option to improve our economy and the environment at the same time, says David Spaven.
In all the recent debates on reducing the toll of deaths and injuries on the A9 between Perth and Inverness, very little has been heard about the potential solutions offered by the country's safest mode of overland freight transport - the railway. (Permalink) A9 David Spaven Highland Main Line  Gleneagles: DRS 66430 coasts downhill to the south of Gleneagles on 12 April with the 4D47 Inverness - Mossend intermodal, composed entirely of Tesco containers.
 Aviemore: Two Class 26s pull into Aviemore in 1974 with a northbound passenger service, while sister locomotive no D5321 waits for the road to Kingussie with a Millerhill-bound freight dominated by empty Preslo ...  Dalnaspidal: Freights about to cross at Dalnaspidal in the summer of 1970 - looking north. |
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The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has said upgrading the railway line between Perth and Inverness would help to ease travel on the A9 trunk road. The call follows the Scottish government's announcement that average speed cameras will be installed on the road between the two cities.
(Permalink) A9 Highland Main Line Rail Freight Group  Moulin Level Crossing: Stobart-liveried 66414 'James the Engine' approaching the northern outskirts of Pitlochry with the 4Z50 Inverness - Coatbridge 'Intermodal' container train on 19 July 2011.
Aviemore: Two Class 26s pull into Aviemore in 1974 with a northbound passenger service, while sister locomotive no D5321 waits for the road to Kingussie with a Millerhill-bound freight dominated by empty Preslo ... Dalnaspidal: Freights about to cross at Dalnaspidal in the summer of 1970 - looking north. |
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A section of the A9 in the Highlands has been closed after a crane crashed onto the railway line.
Northern Constabulary said the crane fell on to the tracks in village of Portgower in Sutherland. The A9 between Helmsdale and Brora was closed in both directions at about 15:20 on Sunday to allow recovery work to take place. There is no alternative route or diversion. Trains services between Inverness and Wick also faced disruptions. [From John Gray] (Permalink) A9 Brora Crash Helmsdale Portgower |
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A village railway platform has been officially reopened by Transport Minister Keith Brown.
The stop at Conon Bridge in Ross-shire has been shut since 1960. The new £600,000 platform is part of a package of measures put together by Transport Scotland to ease congestion during work on the Kessock Bridge. [From Andrew Wallace] (Permalink) A9 Conon Bridge Keith Brown  Conon Bridge Viaduct: The early morning train for Inverness off the Far North Line crossing the river at Conon Bridge on 23 November 2003 on the way to its next stop at Muir of Ord.  Conon Bridge: The almost finished new station at Conon Bridge on 7 January 2013, with 158718 passing the one coach length platform on its way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Utilitarian is probably the kindest description of ... |
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Alex Neil, the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, will confirm that ministers intend to fund a 250mph line starting in the Central Belt at the same time as work takes place on a new fast route in England.
It follows concern that Scotland has so far been sidelined from the high-speed rail revolution that has promised to transform intercity travel in England. The announcement marks a major policy shift for the Scottish Government, which had previously complained about the time it would take for a route to reach Scotland after starting in the UK capital. However, work on a Scottish leg is only likely to get under way after 2025, as money has already been earmarked for dualling the remainder of the A9 between Perth and Inverness (Permalink) A9 High Speed |
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The Big Yin is now assembled and currently towers over Carrbridge Station. If you look very carefully you might just notice that it has a wee light on the top to warn low flying aircraft! The 'smaller' cranes (huh!) are now loading up the remaining containers and flats that have been lying in the yard for several weeks. These are being taken away on low loaders via the temporary roadway giving direct access to the A9. [This avoids the problem that occurred in January with articulated lorries getting stuck in Carrbridge village.] The site has now being secured, with the main gate at the station closed and 'minders' in place at the temporary yard. [Gus Carnegie]
(Permalink) A9 Carrbridge  Carrbridge: See me! The fully assembled 1000 tonne crane stands alongside Carrbridge station on 12 February 2010 ready for the big lift see image [[1503]]. |
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With the locomotive together with several wagons and containers still resting as they landed on January 4th, at last some progress has been seen this week. 2000 tonnes of aggregate has been laid to form a roadway from the A9 to the temporary yard and then on to Station Road. In addition, 700 tonnes of mats are now in place on the roadway. There are temporary traffic lights on the A9 to accommodate the numerous trucks entering the site - the exit is by station road.
The 'big crane' is currently being assembled, having arrived on 15 lorries - some lorries only carried counterweights, of which there are many. The crane seems to have come from Cromarty Port Services and I guess it is the sort that can lift a trawler out of the water. [From Gus Carnegie]] (Permalink) A9 Carrbridge  Carrbridge: Under fading light at Carrbridge on 11 January the Ainscough crane (the 5th crane to be used) works flat out lifting the containers. [See addendum to today's Railscot News Item.]  Carrbridge: Bit of a mess! Organising the recovery operation at Carrbridge - 11 January 2010. |
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A rail users' group is calling for more trains on the far north line to help ease congestion on the A9 and in Inverness.
(Permalink) A9 Far North Line Inverness  The Mound: Inverness train speeds past The Mound station in July 2004 seen from the goods loading bank at the south end. The former Dornoch branch platform is on the right.  Golspie: Rush hour at Golspie on 30 August 2007 as the 0923 to the far north pulls into the platform. The group had arrived at the station on a tour bus (just visible on the left) 10 minutes earlier. |
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Carrbridge derailment day 6 [from Gus Carnegie]. Network Rail have now got their crane started, after borrowing batteries from a local haulage firm. The Stobart containers are being placed in the field to the West of the station and Jimmy Jack also has 2 cranes on the job. Rumour about the locomotive is that they are to build a new access road in from the A9 and then bring in a 1000 tonne crane ... watch this space.
(Permalink) A9 Carrbridge Derailment Network Rail  Carrbridge: ... and the flats are even longer than the b*!!#y containers! Ongoing recovery manoeuvres at Carrbridge, scene on Friday 8 January 2010.  Carrbridge: Following the derailment at Carrbridge on 4 January 2010, removal of the Stobart containers is currently taking place. The photograph shows lifting operations underway on the morning of 9 January - se ...  Carrbridge: Carrbridge clearup 2. Articulated lorry with recovered container having problems negotiating the junction on Station Road on 7 January 2010, with traffic halted for a good 30 minutes. [With thanks to ... |
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Traffic on the A9 could be significantly reduced if more Highland businesses used a new rail freight service to transport goods to the central belt, it was claimed yesterday.
(Permalink) A9 Grangemouth Inverness Stobart Rail |
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A rail freight service is launched in a bid to cut congestion on the A9 route to Inverness.
(Permalink) A9 Grangemouth Inverness Stobart Rail |
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A new rail freight interchange, which is expected to take thousands of lorries off the A9, will be formally opened next week by the Scottish Government's transport minister.
(Permalink) A9 Grangemouth Inverness Stobart Rail |
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The first minister pledges to reduce Inverness to Edinburgh rail journey times and make the A9 safer.
(Permalink) A9 Edinburgh Highland Main Line Inverness  Inverness: An early crest, and a modern poster, in the train shed at Inverness. |
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Transporting freight by rail would improve safety on one of Scotland's most dangerous roads, an MSP says.
(Permalink) A9 Highland Main Line Murdo Fraser |
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Alex Salmond was facing a parliamentary backlash last night over his controversial plans to invest in roads at the expense of trams.
(Permalink) A9 Alex Salmond Trams |
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