Forres-Inverness train service will be discontinued this weekend as ScotRail timetable changes come into force

ScotRail will discontinue an early morning train service between Forres and Inverness from this weekend.

As reported in April, the 7.18am service from Elgin to Inverness is being axed due to “low demand”.

Timetables are changing on Sunday (May 18) across all routes in Scotland.

The 6.56am train between Elgin and Inverness will continue to operate and will now run with three carriages. The 7.43am service will also continue to run. Both trains stop in Forres.

ScotRail said that an average of 12 people per day used the axed service.

Changes will allow the return of late night trains from Inverness to Tain on Friday and Saturday nights.

Those services, which will depart the Highland capital at 11.12pm, were ‘temporarily’ mothballed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and are finally returning to tracks on a trial basis - with passengers urged to ‘use it or lose it’.

Elsewhere, a new direct morning service will also launch from Inverness to Edinburgh.

ScotRail is urging all customers to check their journeys in advance, as other train times may have changed as well.

Customers can view updated train times at scotrail.co.uk or via the ScotRail app. Timetables are also available to download from the ScotRail website.

Scott Prentice, ScotRail Strategy and Planning Director, said: “These changes will transform travel options for people across Scotland.

“Whether it’s more frequent services, better connections, or more seats on trains, we are committed to delivering a rail service that is safe, reliable, and encourages people to choose rail as their preferred mode of sustainable transport.”