Trains between Glasgow and London are now running after hours of disruption caused when a tree fell on overhead electric lines in southern Scotland.

Avanti West Coast said lines between Lockerbie and Carstairs had reopened but services would be affected until 15:30.

Network Rail Scotland said work to repair the lines damaged by the fallen tree near Beattock was completed and they were working with train operators “to get services moving”.

Some services scheduled to start in Glasgow earlier instead began in Preston, Lancashire, with passengers experiencing long delays.

Some services scheduled to start in Glasgow earlier on Tuesday instead began in Preston, Lancashire, and experiencing long delays.

Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport services to Glasgow and Edinburgh have also been affected by the closed line.

Passengers waiting overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper service, including BBC political editor Chris Mason, were told in the early hours of the morning that they had still not left Glasgow Central because a tree had come down on the line.

A statement from Avanti West Coast said: “Lines have now reopened north of Carlisle, after earlier damage to overhead electric wires caused by a fallen tree.

“Trains to and from Glasgow Central and Edinburgh may be still be delayed or revised while the service recovers, so please still check before you travel.”

Ticket holders were advised that they could travel on alternative services on the east coast rail line for no extra cost, or get a refund.

The Aberdeen to Inverness railway line was also closed earlier because of a fallen tree between Dyce and Kintore, as Scotland faced a band of wind and rain moving eastward from the Atlantic overnight.

All Avanti West Coast said trains running on the mainline are expected to be affected by delays or cancellations until 15:30.

The operator has arranged for passengers travelling through Scotland to have their tickets accepted by other train companies at no extra cost. They are:

• TransPennine Express between Preston and Glasgow/Edinburgh and between Manchester and York in both directions.
• CrossCountry between Glasgow and Edinburgh and Birmingham New Street.
• Northern between Carlisle and Newcastle/Leeds.
• Scotrail between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
• LNER between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross.

Coach travel has also been booked between Glasgow Central, Edinburgh, Preston and Carlisle.

Avanti trains running south of Preston are likely to be delayed by up to two hours.

Tickets for journeys with delays of more than 15 minutes are eligible for compensation or refunds.

A statement from Avanti West Coast added: “If you no longer wish to travel because your train’s delayed or cancelled, you can request a full refund from where you bought your ticket.”