Mr Ross said the rail operator not running any trains on New Year’s Day meant work could progress on repairs. Network Rail will be using helicopters to inspect the railway tracks.

He added: “Network Rail will take that time to inspect the roots and carry out any repair work, so that hopefully we can get back to a full, normal timetable on Thursday, but our advice to customers is to check before you travel, external.”

Although the majority of weather warnings – which included an amber alert for part of the Highlands – have now passed, government agency Transport Scotland advised those travelling on New Year’s Day to be cautious and plan ahead.

Yellow weather warnings remain in place, external for Grampian and the Highlands until 09:00 on 2 January with snow and ice expected to create “difficult” conditions.

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “Although the amber warning and the worst of the conditions has now hopefully passed, we would still urge the public to check before they travel. Please drive to the conditions, follow police travel advice, and allow extra time for your journeys.

“There is still a fair amount of localised flooding and a number of weather warnings remain in place. We’ve chaired another call with our key operational partners and the Multi Agency Response Team to ensure operating companies have suitable resources in place.

“We are grateful to staff who are out working 24/7 in challenging conditions to help keep most major roads open, with care and caution.”