The Kyle of Lochalsh Line is a primarily single track railway line in the Scottish Highlands, running from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. The population along the route is sparse in nature, but the scenery is beautiful and can be quite dramatic, the Kyle line having been likened to a symphony in three parts: pastoral, mountain and sea. Many of the passengers on the trains are tourists but one can also expect to meet locals visiting Inverness for shopping, and commuters. All services are provided by First ScotRail and run to Inverness. To maintain the passenger link beyond Inverness, a train runs beyond, having in the past come from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen.
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The route was built in three sections:-
Latterly the Strathpeffer Branch operated between 1885 and 1951.
In 1989 the bridge over the River Ness was washed away, leaving both it and the Far North Line stranded, but new "Sprinter" trains were brought over by road, and a temporary yard was built to service them at Muir of Ord. The section of line along Loch Carron is particularly troublesome and prone to landslides, often closing that section.
Whilst undeniably a rural line, a historic term in the act of parliament for the railways here and around Inverness means that one through service per week is operated from Aberdeen, whereas all other services start and finish at Inverness.
In the 1960s the line was listed to be axed under the Beeching Report. However the line was reprieved and services continued.
From 1999 onwards, the then ScotRail owner, National Express, began the removal of the Class 156 "Sprinter" trains. Their replacement was to be the faster, higher standard Class 158. These trains offered a better all round travelling experience, with air conditioning, improved speed, lighting, seating, storage and general comfort. There is now a dedicated fleet of Class 158 units based at Inverness serving the Kyle of Lochalsh line (also serving the Far North Line and Aberdeen to Inverness Line). The current franchise owner First ScotRail has continued the current situation, with improvement to the depot facilities at Inverness.