Warning as Scotland's railway trespassing hotspots revealed

Scotland’s trespassing hotspots have been revealed as people are urged to stay off the railway with the number of injuries and deaths published.

Network Rail identified the six places where the most people have put their lives at risk by wandering onto the tracks.

Despite a reputation for being a youth problem, 75% of railway trespassers are actually adults

Over the last three years, 150 adults have been seriously injured or killed as a result of unauthorised entry onto Britain’s rail network.

“These figures both upset and shock me. That so many people are willing to risk life and limb by trespassing on the railway just for a shortcut or to retrieve an everyday object is of real concern,” said Liam Sumpter, route director of Scotland’s Railway.

The six most affected lines are:

Kirkcaldy to Burntisland
Motherwell to Hamilton, Wishaw and Whifflet
Paisley, Hillington East to Miliken Park
Irvine to Kilmarnock
Falkirk to Larbert and Linlithgow
Almond Viaduct to South Gyle, Edinburgh and Newbridge

A Network Rail survey found a third of adults were prepared to risk trespassing to retrieve an everyday object like their mobile phone or wallet from the track despite being fully aware of the dangers.

British Transport Police temporary chief superintendent Gill Murray said: “As the school holidays continue in Scotland, we’re expecting to see more incidents.

“The railway is full of hidden dangers. Accessing the tracks as a shortcut or to retrieve personal belongings is not only illegal but is also dangerous.

“Too many times we have seen the tragic consequences of people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway and taking risks that have resulted in terrible injuries.”

Scotland’s Railway and British Transport Police launched a new campaign - ‘shattered lives’ - warning of the dangers of trespassing on the railway. — Scotland’s Railway and British Transport Police launched a new campaign – ‘shattered lives’ – warning of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

Graeme Dey, minister for transport, said: “The number of people willing to make the irresponsible decision to trespass on the railway, even if it is only for a few minutes, is quite simply shocking. Knowingly wandering onto the tracks, despite being aware of the danger, puts lives at risk.

“The impact of injuries or even worse can impact families, friends and local communities. Our simple plea is just don’t do it, a few minutes saved or item retrieved just isn’t worth it.”