At the end of January Network Rail lodged a planning application with The Highland Council for "Remedial coastal defence works comprising rock armour and soil stabilisation". The work is necessary to repair damaged sea defences where the Far North Line runs close to the Dornoch Firth near Ardchronie Quarry south of Ardgay. The work involves replacing three sections of sea wall.

A Network Rail spokesman commented: "Changing weather patterns are putting a strain on Scotland's railway infrastructure. The repair of the sea defences is necessary to respond to this."