Transport bosses asked for Oasis Edinburgh shows to be cut short rather than put on extra trains

Scottish Government officials asked if Oasis could cut short their historic Murrayfield shows so fewer late trains would be required to get fans home, it has been revealed.

A freedom of information (FOI) request showed the bid to have the finish time brought forward from 10.45pm.

But the request was met with a "somewhat vociferous response” from organisers.

Gig promoters DF Concerts and Murrayfield Stadium chiefs rejected the call, claiming “any changes could/would likely impact on an artists’ willingness to perform.”

The Gallagher brothers are set to play to 210,000 fans across three shows in Edinburgh on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th & Tuesday 12th August.

A transport summit was held last year after the gigs were announced for the band’s highly anticipated comeback tour and first show in Scotland since 2009.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Scotland has a good track record of supporting major events like the Cycling World Championships, COP 26, and many other sporting events, festivals and concerts. ScotRail is putting on extra services and seats during the Edinburgh Festival and for these concerts, including late-night trains to key destinations.

“The main reason Scotland has such a successful reputation for delivering these global events is due to close working between Police Scotland, Councils and transport operators, as well as event organisers.

“It is our role to challenge travel plans and understand potential impacts on the wider network to allow for business as usual, as well as encourage extra services to be laid on, our critics would be the first to complain if we didn’t.”

Scottish Labour Transport spokesperson Claire Baker said: “It’s disappointing that SNP bosses thought that they could get Oasis to acquiesce to their demands and cut their set off early.

"Oasis fans have waited 16 years for this reunion."

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