scotland (4K)
The Friends of the Far North Line
Cairdean Na Loine Tuath
the campaign group for rail north of Inverness - lobbying for improved services for the local user, tourist and freight operator

What Needs To Be Done - Station Visits

This Appendix is set out in order from Wick to Inverness. The actions are set out in the order: Network Rail, First ScotRail, others. Some actions naturally require co-operation among different parties, but appear under our view of the lead stakeholder. The list is not exhaustive, and some of the problems may already have been attended to since our inspections. FSR has responded to many of the suggestions made, but these are not shown here. All responses, including FSR's, will be detailed in the next Newsletter by which time it is hoped that responses will have been received from NR and from external bodies including Highland Council.

1  Network Rail

THURSO Consider replacing the small "double arrow" with a large one, and re-siting it for better visibility
GEORGEMAS JCT Give attention to the platform surface including edging
Clean track bed
Demolish, or otherwise render safe, the small disused former toilet area
Consider how the station building might be restored to use or sold
Clear the disused equipment or render it safe if further use is expected
SCOTSCALDER Give attention to the platform surface including edging
ALTNABREAC Give attention to the platform surface including edging
FORSINARD Give attention to the platform surface including edging
KILDONAN Give attention to the platform surface including edging
HELMSDALE Give attention to the platform surface including edging
Clean track bed
BRORA Give attention to the platform surface including edging
Clean track bed
Provide a Help button
DUNROBIN CASTLE Give attention to the platform surface including edging
ROGART Provide a better "double arrow"
LAIRG Clean track bed
INVERSHIN Consider safety of "ruin"
CULRAIN Clean track bed
DINGWALL Clean track bed
BEAULY Give attention to the platform surface including edging
INVERNESS Clean track bed of litter
Install a warm, well-equipped waiting room

2  First ScotRail

WICK Clean luggage lockers
Clean or replace luggage trolleys
THURSO Clean luggage lockers and return to operation
Clean or replace luggage trolleys
Ensure that toilet opening times are adhered to
Review risk assessment of storing flammable materials in a store room (if indeed this is done)
ALTNABREAC Improve signage at phone/Help point
FORSINARD Improve signage at shelter door on UP platform
Improve signage at gate entrance to UP platform
HELMSDALE Provide signage from the Station to the Town Centre
DUNROBIN CASTLE Mend the Station name board
GOLSPIE Provide signage from the Station to the Town Centre
LAIRG Provide signage from the Station towards the village
INVERSHIN Collaborate with house owner to install appropriate signage
INVERGORDON Provide signage to indicate how to cross to the other platform, both at the Station and along the intended route
INVERNESS Improve signage to Station Supervisor's Office
Improve onward transport information
Consider installation of repeater arrivals monitor in SE car park and NW car park

3  Others

WICK Provide better signage from the Town Centre to the Station (for pedestrians as well as motorists)
THURSO Provide better signage from the Town Centre to the Station (for pedestrians as well as motorists)
Retain the BT call box
KINBRACE Provide signage on road S-bound to indicate the Station
BRORA Provide signage from the A9 indicating the Station
GOLSPIE Provide signage from the A9 N-bound indicating the Station
Provide signage from the Town Centre to the Station
LAIRG Provide signage from the village and at road junctions to the Station
ALNESS Monitor vegetation growth likely to obscure signage to Station
DINGWALL Improve safety of walking route from Town Centre to the Station by provision of zebra crossing(s)
MUIR OF ORD Clear debris from ramp and remedy further land-slip
INVERNESS BTP should display the contact phone number when the office is closed
A free-to-use cash machine should replace the present one
Deal with the various car park problems:

SE car park: Turning circle is far too tight and frequently blocked by taxis and set downs. It should be hatched like a box junction to show no stopping or parking permitted on it.
NW car park: Walkway to it is badly surfaced with big puddle on exit from the train shed. (This has been pointed out several times over a number of years and not repaired)
Traditional car park in Station Square off Academy Street, very small and now half rented out to a taxi firm. No right turn into it for northbound traffic on Academy Street, yet regulations notice is facing that way at the entrance. 10 spaces, 4 of which had been colonised by taxis as their spaces were full. Instructions should be given to taxi drivers that they should not encroach into the public parking spaces. Control the irregular use of the SE car park by coaches and of the Station Square car park by car hire business.