Blizzard rail journey sparks anger after passengers left at Georgemas Junction

A passenger from Thurso has criticised ScotRail after claiming travellers were left “stranded” at Georgemas Junction during severe winter weather earlier this week.

The man, who asked not to be named, said around 60 people were on board the 10.41am Inverness–Thurso–Wick service on Tuesday 6 January when the journey was disrupted during blizzard conditions. He alleges that some passengers included people with health conditions as well as babies.

He explained that the departure boards in Inverness stated the train would not serve Thurso because of a points failure at Georgemas Junction. According to him, passengers asked what onward arrangements would be in place and were initially told road transport would be provided.

He said travellers questioned why this had not been organised before leaving Inverness, but were reassured it would be arranged while the train travelled north. However, around Invergordon, the conductor reportedly informed passengers that no buses or taxis could be sourced, and they would need to arrange onward travel themselves.

He said many people then began urgently calling relatives and local taxi firms in an effort to get home. On arrival at Georgemas Junction, he described the access road as “like a skating rink” and said it had not been cleared, with around 30 people alighting, including older passengers, disabled travellers and families with babies.

He added that the train departed, leaving passengers to wait in sub-zero conditions as they organised their own taxis, and that some remained outside for at least 45 minutes. He also said Network Rail should answer questions over the state of the access road.

ScotRail customer operations director Phil Campbell said:

“Prior to the train departing Inverness, it was made clear to customers that it would not call at Thurso due to a points failure at Georgemas Junction, both via the departure boards at the station and on the ScotRail journey app. Customers were also advised of this by the conductor, in a pre-departure announcement, where they were also told that if they stayed on board, they would have to make their own onward travel arrangements. They were all fully informed that because of the worsening road conditions, we couldn’t arrange replacement transport for the 20 customers choosing to leave at Georgemas. It allowed them to make their own arrangements, and on arrival, there were vehicles waiting for them, including taxis. The conductor spoke personally to a couple travelling with a baby, and they confirmed they had a taxi booked waiting for them. ScotRail did everything possible to support customers, and everyone was kept fully informed of the situation both before they left Inverness and throughout the journey until they reached their destination.”

Wick and east Caithness councillor Jan McEwan said:

“I have been advised about passengers for Thurso being dropped at Georgemas, with no onward transport. Some were patients returning home from Raigmore, and a six-month-old child was one of them. Also on this train was a new baby and mother, which to me is absolutely disgraceful in this weather or any weather, it is totally inhuman – animals would be treated better.”

Image: ScotRail