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Snow strands passengers on train Snow strands passengers on train
(about 1 hour later)
More than 100 rail passengers were stranded for almost six hours when their train hit a snowdrift - then a rescue train also became stuck. More than 100 rail passengers were stranded for more than seven hours when their train hit a snowdrift - then a rescue train also became stuck.
The first train became snowbound near Blackmount, between Carrbridge and Slochd, 20 miles south of Inverness, at about 2020 BST on Wednesday.The first train became snowbound near Blackmount, between Carrbridge and Slochd, 20 miles south of Inverness, at about 2020 BST on Wednesday.
The second train was carrying food and blankets.The second train was carrying food and blankets.
A third train was then sent out which the 107 passengers had to walk to in the dark through snow and high winds.A third train was then sent out which the 107 passengers had to walk to in the dark through snow and high winds.
A snow plough had cleared the track to enable the third train to reach the scene.A snow plough had cleared the track to enable the third train to reach the scene.
The passengers finally reached Inverness, a distance of about 25 miles, at about 0315 BST. The passengers finally reached Inverness, a distance of about 25 miles, at about 0315 BST. The overall journey should have taken three hours 23 minutes but instead lasted more than 11 hours.
The ordeal began for travellers on Wednesday's 1741 service from Edinburgh to Inverness when it hit a snowdrift about two-and-a-half hours into the journey. The ordeal began for travellers on Wednesday's 1611 Glasgow to Inverness when it hit a snowdrift about two-and-a-half hours into the journey.
We couldn't go forwards and we found we couldn't go backwards Stranded train passengerWe couldn't go forwards and we found we couldn't go backwards Stranded train passenger
One passenger told BBC News: "We ploughed into this great big snowdrift and stopped. We couldn't go forwards and we found we couldn't go backwards.One passenger told BBC News: "We ploughed into this great big snowdrift and stopped. We couldn't go forwards and we found we couldn't go backwards.
"So they sent out another train but that got stuck too. So eventually they had to dig a kind of trench and bring in another train and get us out.""So they sent out another train but that got stuck too. So eventually they had to dig a kind of trench and bring in another train and get us out."
Speaking on Wednesday night, a First ScotRail spokesman said: "The weather is bad, but we wouldn't be transferring people if we thought the conditions were dangerous."Speaking on Wednesday night, a First ScotRail spokesman said: "The weather is bad, but we wouldn't be transferring people if we thought the conditions were dangerous."
A Northern Constabulary spokesman said at the time of the rescue: "They are all safe and well and Network Rail staff are on board.A Northern Constabulary spokesman said at the time of the rescue: "They are all safe and well and Network Rail staff are on board.
"It has been difficult to reach them because of the location.""It has been difficult to reach them because of the location."
On their return to Inverness, taxis were being provided to get most of the passengers home.On their return to Inverness, taxis were being provided to get most of the passengers home.
About 200 people had to spend the night in Aberdeen after the line to Inverness became blocked between Keith and Inverurie.About 200 people had to spend the night in Aberdeen after the line to Inverness became blocked between Keith and Inverurie.
They are likely to be stranded in the city for some time as roads in the same locations are also blocked.They are likely to be stranded in the city for some time as roads in the same locations are also blocked.


Were you on the stranded train? Have you been affected by the bad weather conditions?Were you on the stranded train? Have you been affected by the bad weather conditions?
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