Additional train service for Plockton High School pupils

17th January 2012

ScotRail is to provide an additional early morning service to ensure that Plockton High pupils can get to school - free of charge - while the Stromeferry bypass remains closed.

From Monday 23 January, an 06.20 Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh service will transport the children to Plockton before 09.00. Other passengers can also buy tickets for the service.

In order to accommodate the additional service, the 07.26 Elgin-Inverness will be replaced by a bus. A bus will also operate the 09.00 Inverness-Kyle, connecting into a train at Achnasheen.

Jerry Farquharson, ScotRail's director of business planning, said: "We've worked closely with Highland Council and HITRANS to put this plan in place.

"It means that pupils will be able to get to school over the coming weeks with as little disruption as possible - and without incurring any extra travel costs."

Dr Michael Foxley, Highland Council leader said: "This is great news. ScotRail's cooperation is much appreciated, particularly as the children will get to travel for free."

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "I am pleased to see various agencies coming together to keep the local area moving. We will continue to work with the Highland Council and the rail industry to achieve a long-term solution."

Bill Fernie chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee of Highland Council said,"I pleased that all departments of the council including Education and TEC services have worked with agencies such as ScotRail and contractors to get things moving in this difficult situation. Everyone has been working as fast as possible to find solutions to try find a way of getting school children to their school and back."

It is expected that the service will be in place for between four and six weeks.