Travellers have been urged to plan their journeys to try to avoid delays caused by the Pope’s visit to Scotland.
With Pope Benedict XVI coming to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, traffic management measures are to be put in place across central Scotland to accommodate the tens of thousands of people who will flock to see him.
Transport Scotland is working with local councils, the police and others to try to minimise disruption to roads and railways with less than two weeks to go until the religious leader’s visit on September 16.
Meanwhile, travel firm Stagecoach is coordinating travel to the open air mass in Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, with those attending the event being provided with plans setting out details of bus, rail and subway services.
Jim Barton, Transport Scotland's chief roads engineer and director, said: "With around 85,000 people travelling to Bellahouston Park in Glasgow and about 100,000 expected in Edinburgh, safety is paramount.
"That is why road authorities and transport providers have prepared comprehensive and coordinated plans. There will be a number of restrictions on the trunk roads and motorways, including a partial closure of the northbound M77, with further closures and diversions on local roads networks through Glasgow and Edinburgh.
"There will also be increased use of some of Scotland's busiest rail stations at points throughout the day. Delays should be expected, so we urge people to plan their daily journey in advance, leaving more time than usual and considering public transport alternatives where possible. This includes commuters and other people going about their normal business, and particularly those using the M77 northbound to reach Glasgow."
As well as road closures and restrictions, train services in and out of Edinburgh and Glasgow are expected to be particularly busy on the day of the visit, with ScotRail putting queuing systems in place and providing additional carriages.
The Pope is in Britain between September 16 and 19, with the trip being the first Papal visit to the country since 1982, when Pope John Paul II's six-day tour drew huge crowds.
It is also the first official Papal visit to Britain. The 1982 trip was a pastoral one. As well as leading the Papal Mass in Bellahouston Park, the Pope will be received by the Queen, who is supreme governor of the Church of England, and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on September 16.
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