Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Adam Robertson

ScotRail warns of 'widespread disruption' on same day as major rugby game

SCOTRAIL has confirmed that services will face “widespread disruption” on October 29. 

Strike action is set to take place on the same day the Scotland rugby team take on Australia at Murrayfield. 

ScotRail has urged fans to consider “alternative arrangements” as they will only be operating a “limited service” on a small number of routes. 

Although ScotRail is running a limited service from Milngavie to Edinburgh Waverley (via Glasgow Queen Street low level), this will only operate until 6.30pm.

The match is due to kick off in Edinburgh at 5.30pm. 

The strike action is a result of the trade union’s rejection of a pay offer made by ScotRail. 

More than 2000 ScotRail employees are members of the RMT, including in roles such as conductors, hospitality and engineering depot staff. 

ScotRail service delivery director David Simpson said: “We’re really disappointed that the dispute with the RMT remains ongoing, given the strength of the improved pay offer ScotRail made. 

“Further strike action has a damaging effect on railway’s recovery at a time when we should be encouraging more people to travel. Instead, our customers are being severely impacted and our staff losing out through lost wages. 

“Regrettably, we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services on Saturday October 29 and customers should expect significant disruption to services due to the large proportion of ScotRail staff who are members of the RMT trade union. 

“We’re advising customers, including rugby fans intending travelling to Scotland’s first autumn international at Murrayfield, to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel by train if they really need to. 

“We remain open to resolving this dispute.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.