Slopping out comes to an end on Far North Line

Highland trains are now entering the twentieth century (eight years after it ended), following news that passengers undertaking the three-week train journey between Inverness and Wick will now be able to avoid the ignominy of “slopping out”.

The introduction of proper flush toilets brings to an end passengers using potties stored underneath their seats and emptying them through gaps between carriages, a practice in operation since the Far North Line began.

Following complaints from frequenters of the barber’s shop on platform 6 about the stench, First ScotRail have announced that the changes in sanitation will be starting in the next few weeks.

A spokesman for the rail company said that extra staff will be available on the line in the first few weeks to help passengers from Caithness who may never have seen a flush toilet before.