(Image: Network Rail Scotland)
Speed restrictions are being put in place on rail routes in Scotland as the country braces for a stormy weekend.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain across southern and eastern Scotland on Friday, as Storm Austen brings more severe weather south of the border.
Storm Boelo will then hit Scotland directly over the weekend, bringing strong winds and further rain, with another yellow warning in place for Saturday night and Sunday.
Network Rail Scotland said that, on Friday, trains will be slowed down "to keep people safe in the areas expected to see the heaviest rain".
Speed restrictions will be in place on parts of the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line, as well as routes across southern and eastern Scotland.
READ MORE:
With Storm Boelo following on Saturday and Sunday, Network Rail Scotland said that speed restrictions are also likely in areas worst affected.
Meanwhile, ScotRail is also warning that speed restrictions are likely in some areas, which may cause some delays or revisions to services.
Anyone travelling on Friday or over the weekend is encouraged to plan ahead and check their journey before setting off.
Craig Gorman, head of operational weather strategy at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We can’t control the weather, but we can make sure we’re as ready as possible for whatever it brings.
“A big part of our job is staying one step ahead. We’re constantly looking at how the forecast is developing and what that could mean for different parts of the railway, allowing us to make the right decisions at the right time.
“We know any disruption from these storms will be frustrating, particularly as it’s the weekend, but we’ll do everything we can to keep people moving wherever it’s safe to do so.”