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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jon Brady

Dramatic pictures show overhead railway power line crushed by tree as Storm Dudley causes havoc across Scotland

Shocking pictures show the devastating damage wreaked by Storm Dudley as it continues to make its way across Scotland.

Network Rail has shared images of overhead power lines torn down by trees as workers continue to assess the scale of the damage caused by 90mph winds across the country.

In a picture posted on social media, the railway agency said "considerable" damage had been done to overhead power line structures near Kilwinning, North Ayrshire.

It said: "Our team at Kilwinning have shared this photo of the considerable damage done to one of our overhead line structures, caused by a fallen tree.

Wind has torn down power lines on the railway at Kilwinning (Twitter)

"We're now assessing what needs to be done to repair it and reopen the railway for @ScotRail services. More soon."

National rail operator Scotrail says it is unlikely to be able to run services between Kilwinning and Largs or Ardrossan on Thursday, and is laying on replacement buses.

It said: "We don't expect to be able to run any services between Kilwinning and Largs/Ardrossan tomorrow (17 February) due to significant damage caused by #StormDudley.

"We've requested rail replacement transport and will update our app and website as soon as this is confirmed."

Power lines have also been pulled down on the West Coast main line near the village of Beattock in the Borders, affecting Avanti West Coast services.

Avanti says it will honour tickets dated today on rail services north of Preston tomorrow.

Scotrail took the decision to suspend train services from 4pm today after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning indicating "danger to life" amid high speed winds.

The company has been praised by Scots for its proactive planning in the face of disruptive weather.

One social media user said: "Woah. Very good decision to end services early."

The railway body also shared images of damaged cables in the Borders (Twitter)

Another added: "'Why are you cancelling all of your services the day before because of a weather forecast?' Erm, this is why."

Fallen trees have been affecting roads and railways across Scotland after Storm Dudley made landfall at 2pm on Wednesday.

Broken trunks are affecting traffic on several main roads across Scotland, with drivers advised to check ahead before setting off on journeys.

Earlier, Deputy First Minister John Swinney warned Scots to ensure they were only travelling when absolutely necessary, and to take care.

He said: "We would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads, and follow the latest travel advice.

“The Scottish Government is in close contact with local authorities and emergency and essential services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”

Follow our live blog for the latest on Storm Dudley here.

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