Over 500m of damaged track has been replaced, embankments rebuilt and 70m of bridge parapet repaired alongside the landslip. Enhanced drainage systems and flood defences have also been installed above and below the line.

A temporary 900m long road and bridges were also built over surrounding farmland to accommodate the movement of specialist lifting equipment to remove derailed carriages from the railway.

Scotland’s Railway managing director Alex Hynes said: “Our engineers have been working around the clock to repair and reopen the railway and we thank all our customers and lineside neighbours for the understanding they have shown during this difficult and distressing event.”

He added: “We continue to work closely with accident investigators as we seek to learn the lessons of this tragedy and make our railway as safe as possible.”

After the incident this summer, Network Rail introduced a range of additional safety measures. Hundreds of sites nationwide with higher risk trackside slopes were inspected and two taskforces have been launched to consider the long term response to climate change and the challenges of maintaining embankments and cuttings.

Transportation Professional’s November/December issue will include a feature about the resilience of rail and road networks north of the border.

(Photograph: Network Rail)