Straw on line cancels trains

There was major disruption to the east coast rail line on Thursday night because of an obstruction on the track at Stonehaven.

Services between Aberdeen and Dundee were cancelled around 7pm because of the obstruction, understood to be a bale of hay.

The soutbound line was reopened shortly after butthe northbound track remained blocked, forcing the cancellation of trains from Dundee.

A statement on the ScotRail website advised travellers to find alternative arrangements to continue their journeys.

It said: “Due to very limited replacement transport being secured, passengers are advised to consider making their own alternative arrangements.”

Disgruntled customers took to Twitter to complain about the delays.

@ScotRail are you reimbursing passengers for arranging alt transport? Currently stranded in Montrose. Have been for almost two hours.

— ★ (@rahrahjam) July 16, 2015

Trains began moving again around 9.15pm but passengers were warned disruption to services would continue until at least 10pm.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We apologise to customers who were affected by the disruption.”