ScotRail issues travel warning ahead of two major events
The train operator is already running reduced services.
Last updated 19th Jul 2024
ScotRail is warning customers of major disruption ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Troon and Rangers taking on Manchester United at Murrayfield.
With a busy sporting weekend in addition to a number of service alterations there could be a serious impact on travel.
**"We know how frustrating this can be."**
This weekend will see the final two days of play at The Open Championship at Royal Troon, while Rangers will take on Manchester United at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday.
To help golf fans catch the action at The Open, the train operator is providing extra services and more seats during busy times to and from Troon over the weekend.
Between the practice day on Wednesday and the first day’s play on Thursday, 50,000 Open spectators travelled with ScotRail.
With kick-off at 4pm on Saturday at Murrayfield for the pre-season friendly between Rangers and Manchester United, with an expected attendance of 57,900, ScotRail is also advising customers travelling to Edinburgh that trains will be much busier than usual, both before and after the match.
Customers not attending the football are being encouraged to consider travelling at quieter times.
ScotRail are operating a temporary timetable due to fewer drivers being available for rest day working during an ASLEF pay dispute, this weekend will see a number of additional alterations to train services which may impact on journeys.
READ MORE: ScotRail to introduce temporary timetable due to driver shortage
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “With a temporary timetable currently in operation and two major sporting events taking place this weekend, it is important we advise our customers of what to expect, and to plan ahead for their journey.
“Additional services will be available for The Open Championship in Troon, and we anticipate services for Edinburgh to be busier than usual before and after the football at Murrayfield.
“Customers should allow extra time for travel and check their journey on our mobile app the day before travel.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause to customers who have their journey impacted by service alterations.
"We know how frustrating this can be and thank them for their patience.”
Changes to ScotRail services on Saturday, 20th July:
• Glasgow - Alloa service will be reduced from half-hourly to hourly. Trains will depart from Alloa at 45 minutes past the hour and from Glasgow at 49 minutes past the hour.
• Most services between Edinburgh and North Berwick will be withdrawn, with a bus replacement in operation for most of the day. Trains will operate the 0639, 0716, 0753, and 0833 North Berwick to Edinburgh and the 2140 and 2314 Edinburgh to North Berwick services.
• Glasgow - Newton service will be reduced form half-hourly to hourly with departures from Glasgow at 45 minutes past the hour and from Newton at 19 minutes past the hour.
Changes to ScotRail services on Sunday, 21st July:
• Edinburgh – Tweedbank will operate every three hours rather than hourly. Departures from Tweedbank to Edinburgh will be at 0947, 1248, 1547 and 1848 and from Edinburgh to Tweedbank at 1113, 1411, 1712, 2011 and 2210
• Edinburgh – North Berwick services will operate every two hours rather than hourly. The first service from Edinburgh will be at 0937 and the first service from North Berwick will be at 1024.
• Edinburgh – Dunblane services will operate with two services every three hours, rather than hourly. The first service Edinburgh will be at 0935 and the first service from Dunblane will be at 0945.
• Glasgow – Cumbernauld will be withdrawn. Unfortunately, bus replacement is not possible.
• Glasgow – Lanark will operate every two hours rather than hourly. The first service from Glasgow Central 1020 and the first service from Lanark will be at 1121.
• Wemyss Bay – Whinhill will be served by a replacement bus to allow onward connections to the Gourock – Glasgow service.
Warning to customers
Customers should be aware that the use of replacement buses will result in longer journey times.
ScotRail is strongly advising customers to check their journey the day before travelling by using the ScotRail app.
With two major sporting events taking place this weekend, there may be additional queues at some stations for train tickets. Purchasing in advance can save time at the station, and train tickets are available to buy before you board as an mTicket via the ScotRail app.
Service alterations for Saturday will be updated on the app on Friday. Alternations for Sunday will be updated on Saturday.