Far North Freight Summary

• Oil deliveries by rail recommenced In December after a 10 year gap. 8 x TTA wagons carrying derv, heating fuel and red diesel leave Inverness on Tuesday at 1423. The loco returns light. On Thursday morning the loco is towed dead on the back of the Safeway train. It departs from Lairg at 0905 arriving in Inverness at 1114.
• The Safeway freight continues as normal, with building materials for Thurso Transport are occasionally coupled on the back.
• Under new crewing arrangements EWS drivers no longer need to lodge overnight. They drive one way, and travel as a passenger for the return journey. There are now 2 ground staff based at Georgemas Station building.
• Pipe trains should recommence March.
• Highland Deephaven are working to produce further information to satisfy concerns raised on a number of issues arising from the submission of their supplementary statements. A date for the special meeting of the Planning, Development, Europe and Tourism Committee could take place in April or May.
• The construction of the new railhead and hardstanding by Thurso Building Supplies will allow for the transfer 189,000 tonnes of material from road to rail, equivalent to more than 35,000 lorry miles being removed from Scotland's roads.