Lorraine Mann, a health promotions specialist with NHS Highland, caught the 0645 GMT train from Inverness to Edinburgh on Tuesday. Several hours later, signal workers began a strike which has caused major disruption to services in Scotland.
Here she tells of her journey south and the challenge of getting back home.
I was going to a conference in Glasgow so I took the early Inverness to Edinburgh train, which changes for Glasgow at Perth.
 The train from Perth to Glasgow is normally packed |
At the time I didn't know there was a strike, but did notice that the train was not terribly busy.
Just as the train was starting up there was an announcement that said something about a strike. I was reading a paper and was not really listening.
I wasn't really sure about when the strike was happening and had to ask a guard.
Changing at Perth, the station was very quiet.
The train to Glasgow is usually absolutely packed, but was also quiet which actually made it a pleasant journey.
I don't know very much about what the strike is about, but I don't have a gripe with the signal workers and I support the right of people to strike for better work and conditions.
Getting home is going to be a challenge, but I like problem solving.
My options at the moment are: the strike being resolved; finding someone at the conference who will be driving up to Inverness; staying overnight; or getting an e-mail sent around the office to see if anyone else is in Glasgow and getting a lift. 
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
