Storm Eowyn: train and bus updates as Fife starts clear-up
A clear-up operation is underway across Fife after damaged caused by Storm Eowyn.
The region was battered by powerful winds yesterday as a rare red alert weather warning was issued, leading to public transport being suspended, and schools and many community venues closed. Trees were brought down across the region blocking many roads - work to remove them is underway.
Commuters hoping to catch a train have been warned there will be no services until at least midday, while Stagecoach East Scotland is back up and running across its network, although some disruption may impact.
The bus company said: “Storm Éowyn continues to cause significant disruption across our operating area, and although the red weather warning has ended, an amber warning remains and the conditions of the roads we operate on are poor.”
Police have urged motorists to take care.
A spokesperson said: “A yellow warning remains in place for wind, snow and ice for much of the country. While most main roads are open, a large number of local routes across the country remain closed or disrupted due to debris and fallen trees, which continue to cause issues.
“Motorists should drive with caution. If roads are closed, please find an alternative route and do not put yourself at risk by trying to clear debris.”
ScotRail has said the rail network will remain closed until tracks are cleared of debris, and any damage assessed.
A spokesperson said: “We won't know the full extent of the damage until our Network Rail colleagues can get onto the network and carry out a fully assessment. This will obviously take quite a bit of time. Network Rail Scotland have been working flat out through the night to remove fallen trees and other debris from the tracks. There has also been extensive damage to overhead lines which will need repaired before trains can safely return to service.Unfortunately, this means that ScotRail services will be heavily impacted, and customers should not expect any trains to operate before 12.00 at the earliest.
The safety of our staff and our customers is our absolute priority, and we will only run trains when we can guarantee that. We will update the ScotRail website, app, and our social media channels when we have more information.”
Customers whose journeys are hit can travel with their existing ticket up to and including Tuesday, January. 28 and can also apply for a fee-free refund on any unused tickets.
All community pharmacies are expected to fully re-open as normal with the exception of St Clair Pharmacy in Kirkcaldy which suffered storm damage.
The clear up is also underway at buildings damaged by the devastating storms.
In Kirkcaldy, the Linton Lane Centre is closed until further notice after its roof was badly damaged. It was due to stage Kirkcaldy Vineyard Church’s’Hosting Hope’ event tonight. That has now been cancelled.
The centre has also urged people to stay away due to the loose structure and debris.
Fife Ice Arena in Kirkcaldy is also closed after parts of its roof were ripped off. The giant sheets were torn off the end of the rink, above the curling bar. As a result, tonight’s Fife Flyers’ game against Cardiff Devils was postponed, and all junior ice hockey games and public skating sessions scheduled for this weekend, were cancelled.