Tree on overhead wires at Beattock blocks West Coast Main Line

Cross-border trains on the West Coast Main Line were severely disrupted after a tree fell onto overhead cables in the south of Scotland.

Rail operators advised passengers to change travel plans with some told not to travel north of Preston and others advised to delay journeys until Friday.

The damage to overhead wiring at Beattock, between Lockerbie and Carstairs, saw services on the line cancelled or revised.

Network Rail Scotland said work to remove the tree and repair the wiring was expected to be completed by about 22:30.

Operator Avanti West Coast said passengers could use Thursday tickets to travel on Friday at no extra cost.

TransPennine Express also said customers were also “strongly advised” to defer travel to Friday.

The operator said coaches were requested to operate from Carlisle to Glasgow and Edinburgh but road transport was “extremely limited”.

TransPennine said customers could use Thursday tickets on CrossCountry services, LNER, Northern and ScotRail trains in order to make onward connections during the disruption.