A Scottish farmer has asked Network Rail for compensation after one of his cows, valued at £2,500, was killed on a track last July.
Farmer John MacLennan, from the Highlands, said the cow was able to get onto the line because of poor fencing along the track.
Network Rail said the cow had strayed from its original field and issued a statement saying they invest 'significant sums' renewing fencing along tracks every year.
But Mr MacLennan told The Press and Journal that he has been 'messed about'.
"They ignore letters, phone calls, emails, everything.
"It's a five-year-old beast and a substantial part of a crofter's livelihood, and that’s not taking into account any calves she may have had."
The cow was killed along the Inverness to Kyle line near Plockton in July 2016.
Mr MacLennan contacted his local MP Kate Forbes who wrote to Network Rail.
The MP said a number of farmers had lost livestock due to a similar issue and urged Network Rail to conduct a review into their fencing along the tracks.
"It's not fair that farmers are having to take on a David and Goliath fight to try and get compensation from Network Rail for the loss of their animals, through no fault of their own."
Network Rail said that they inspect the lines and put in replacements when required.
