This is real - two extracts from FirstScotRail's responses to complaints letters (same incident):

“…Unfortunately leaves on the lines caused problems in the area and caused severe disruption to our service." Giant, concrete leaves? Then they go on to explain (just as well as I am confused...)... “I can assure you that leaves on the track can and do affect the performance of our trains. When leaves fall onto the track and get wet (Oh no!), passing trains crush them (that's awful!) and this creates a hard coating on the rails. Due to the slippery conditions this causes, our Drivers have to break earlier for stations and signals and move off again slowly.” Not sure if that explains why the train didn’t stop at all - or did it just skid past?

Letter two: "I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the delay on your service, which was caused by low rail adhesion on earlier services." Sure thing - at least I know now what they are talking about. Bad, bad leaves!