ScotRail is expanding its festive timetable with a series of late-night services and longer weekend trains to support the surge of passengers heading to Christmas markets, seasonal events and nights out across Scotland. The enhanced timetable will run every weekend up to Christmas, offering customers safer and more convenient travel during one of the busiest periods of the year.

Extra late-night trains will operate on Friday 28 November, and on Fridays 5, 12 and 19 December, including several post-midnight departures designed to help people get home from festive celebrations. These additional services are:

• 23:19 Dalmuir to Larkhall (via Glasgow Central Low Level)

• 23:23 Motherwell to Dalmuir (via Glasgow Central Low Level)

• 23:33 Dalmuir to Motherwell (via Glasgow Central Low Level)

• 23:33 Larkhall to Milngavie (via Glasgow Central Low Level)

• 23:36 Milngavie to Motherwell (via Glasgow Central Low Level)

• 23:48 Glasgow Central to Lanark (extended from Motherwell)

• 23:50 Glasgow Central to Newton (Lanark)

• 00:05 Glasgow Central to Neilston

• 00:07 Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts

• 00:08 Glasgow Central to Paisley Canal

• 00:12 Glasgow Central to Kilmarnock

• 00:18 Glasgow Central to East Kilbride

• 00:20 Glasgow Central to Glasgow Central via Cathcart Circle

Alongside these late-night additions, trains will be lengthened on weekends to increase capacity for shoppers, partygoers and families visiting festive attractions. ScotRail says the uplift in services supports Scotland’s night-time economy and gives customers more sustainable travel options in the run-up to Christmas.

A wider timetable update will also come into effect on Sunday 14 December. While the majority of changes are minor, ScotRail is encouraging passengers to check the latest times before travelling, as some regular services may be retimed.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:

“The lead-up to Christmas is always one of the busiest times of the year, so we’re adding extra late-night trains on key routes and more seats across the country to help everyone make the most of the festive season. Travelling by train is one of the best ways to make the most of your celebrations, and with the removal of peak fares, customers can enjoy even more value for money when travelling with ScotRail this Christmas. Whether customers are heading to the Christmas markets, meeting friends for a night out, or picking up some last-minute gifts, we’ll help you get there safely and comfortably.”

Image: ScotRail