It was a difficult situation and they handled it really well and professionally

Mark Cunningham, passenger

The driver of the 1718 service noticed debris on the line at about 1800 GMT and was bringing the train to a halt when the next landslide happened.

The incident prompted a full emergency response from fire, police and ambulance services and a doctor on board the train treated some of the passengers.

There was praise for the crew members and emergency services for the calm way in which they handled the situation.

Ian Stuart, 76, from Elgin, in Moray, said: "The mud smashed a window and burst open the door on one side and went through the other door, as I understand it, which was quite frightening.

"We should have been home at 9pm. It was three hours before we got off the train."

Work is under way on the road and rail line

His wife Isobel said: "I was frightened. I just thought there might be another landslide and that's what worried me.

"But we were safe enough and they were actually very good. The doctor was excellent."

Passenger Mark Cunningham, from south London, praised ScotRail and the emergency services.

He said: "It was a difficult situation and they handled it really well and professionally."

Sergeant Colin Paterson, of Northern Constabulary, said: "While the train stopped the front of the two coaches was struck by debris from an avalanche from the hillside.

Strong winds

"Fortunately all in the first coach were able to get out and nobody in the rear coach was injured."

Strong winds and heavy rain caused ground to give way on the A890 Achnasheen to Strathcarron road, a mile west of Strathcarron, and the debris tumbled on to the line.

The line and road were closed as work got under way to repair the damage.

All of the passengers were taken to the nearby Kyle Hotel and a number agreed to stay the night, while others opted to make other arrangements.

The 1815 Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh service was also called back and a bus was put on in its place.

Torrential rain resulted in flooding in the north west on a number of routes and drivers faced hazardous conditions.

Drivers throughout Argyll also had to tackle flooding on many routes and the police urged caution.