ScotRail is gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year as thousands of people are expected to travel for a series of major sporting fixtures, concerts, and entertainment events across Scotland.

The train operator will help customers get to and from key events in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including both Premier Sports Cup semi-finals and the Scotland v USA rugby international at BT Murrayfield.

On Saturday, 1 November, Motherwell take on St Mirren at Hampden Park in a 17.30 kick-off, while at the same time the Scotland men’s rugby team host the USA in the Quilter Nations Series in Edinburgh. To support travel, ScotRail will operate extra services and run longer trains before and after both matches.

St Mirren supporters are advised to travel via Mount Florida, while Motherwell fans should use Kings Park. Passengers heading to Hampden are encouraged to travel early and allow extra time, with queuing systems in place at Glasgow Central before the match, and at Mount Florida and Kings Park afterwards.

Customers travelling to Murrayfield are advised to use Edinburgh Haymarket, which is just a short walk or tram ride from the stadium. Queuing systems will also be in place on Haymarket Terrace after the final whistle to manage crowds safely.

Saturday will also see fixtures at Tynecastle and Almondvale Stadium, where Hearts host Dundee and Hibernian travel to Livingston, adding to the busy day on Scotland’s Railway. Crowds are also expected for the Terminal V Festival at the Royal Highland Centre and events at Glasgow’s SEC Campus, including Four Brit’s Book Fest, Steve Backshall Live, and Marti Pellow at the OVO Hydro.

The busy weekend continues on Sunday, 2 November, when Celtic face Rangers in the second Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park. Rangers supporters should travel via Mount Florida, while Celtic fans should use Kings Park. ScotRail will again operate additional services and longer trains, with queuing systems in place before and after the match.

Customers are advised to buy their tickets in advance via the ScotRail app, online, or at stations, and to allow extra time for their journeys. Extra ScotRail staff will be on hand throughout the network to help passengers and keep services running smoothly.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:

“It’s going to be a very busy weekend right across Scotland’s Railway, with big matches, concerts, and events in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“We’ll have extra trains and more seats to help get people where they need to be, but services will be busy, particularly around Hampden and Murrayfield.

“Our advice is to plan ahead, buy your tickets before you travel, and allow extra time for your journey. Queuing systems will be in place at key stations, so please follow the instructions of staff to help keep everyone moving safely.”

Image: ScotRail