ScotRail issues warning over cuts to weekend services ahead of The Open and Rangers v Man United match

ScotRail has announced cuts to some train services as the rail operator issued a warning ahead of a weekend of sporting events.

The closing stages of the Open Championship in Troon take place on Saturday and Sunday, while Rangers square off with Manchester United at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday.

ScotRail said due to an ongoing ASLEF pay dispute and a temporary timetable put in place over driver shortages, services have been altered on the network.

The warning comes after weeks of disruption on Scotland’s railways, with services expected to be “busier than normal.”

ScotRail said 50,000 Open spectators travelled on Wednesday and Thursday with nearly 58,000 fans expected to attend the Rangers match at Murrayfield at 4pm on Saturday.

Customers not attending the football are being encouraged to consider travelling at quieter times.

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.”

Full list of changes to ScotRail timetable

On Saturday, July 20 customers are advised of the following changes to services:

The Glasgow to Alloa service will be reduced from half-hourly to hourly, and 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Most services between Edinburgh and North Berwick will be withdrawn, with a bus replacement in operation for most of the day.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 at 6.39am, 7.16am, 7.53am, and 8.33am from North Berwick to Edinburgh and the 9.40pm and 11.14pm Edinburgh to North Berwick services will also run.
The Glasgow to Newton service will be reduced from half-hourly to hourly with departures from Glasgow at 45 minutes past the hour and from Newton at 19 minutes past the hour.

On Sunday, July 21, changes to services are as follows:

Edinburgh to Tweedbank will operate every three hours rather than hourly. Departures from Tweedbank to Edinburgh will be at 9.47am, 12.48pm, 3.47pm and 6.48pm and from Edinburgh to Tweedbank at 11.13am, 2.11pm, 5.12pm, 8.11pm and 10.10pm.
Edinburgh to North Berwick services will operate every two hours rather than hourly and the first service from Edinburgh will be at 9.37am and the first service from North Berwick will be at 10.24am.
Edinburgh to Dunblane will operate with two services every three hours, rather than hourly, with the first service from Edinburgh at 9.35am and the first service from Dunblane at 9.45am.
Glasgow to Cumbernauld will be withdrawn and bus replacement is “not possible”.
Glasgow to Lanark will operate every two hours rather than hourly with the first service from Glasgow Central at 10.20am and the first service from Lanark at 11.21am.
Wemyss Bay to Whinhill will be served by a replacement bus to allow onward connections on the Gourock to Glasgow service.