No trains to run on Far North Line for most of June

Rail passengers have been urged to plan ahead as train services on the Far North Line will stop for most of June.

Network Rail is carrying out an £11.5m improvement project on the line, which connects Inverness with Wick and Thurso.

Refurbishment work will be undertaken, with some parts of the line replaced.

No trains are scheduled to operate north of Dingwall from Sunday June 8 until Monday June 30, with replacement bus services to be put in place.

The railway company said the project will help to improve the long-term reliability of rail services in the north of Scotland.

"This essential investment will breathe new life into one of Scotland's most scenic and historic routes," Ross Moran, Network Rail's Scotland route director said.

"By replacing and refurbishing infrastructure - some of it nearly a century old - we'll help provide safer, smoother, and more reliable journeys."

As part of work, a five-mile (8km) stretch between Brora and Helmsdale will be refurbished, with almost nine miles (15km) of track between Invergordon and Fearn replaced.

ScotRail said it is committed to keeping customers moving throughout the works.

Trains between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh will not be affected.

A limited number of train services will operate between Inverness and Dingwall, calling at intermediate stations.

Buses will replace trains between Inverness and Wick/Thurso, serving key stations including Invergordon, Tain, Ardgay, and Lairg.

However, rail replacement buses will not serve Altnabreac or Scotscalder stations due to access limitations.