# ScotRail

ScotRail Trains Limited, trading as ScotRail (Scottish Gaelic: Rèile na h-Alba), is a Scottish train operating company that is publicly owned by Scottish Rail Holdings on behalf of the Scottish Government. It has been operating the ScotRail franchise as an operator of last resort since 1 April 2022.

## History

The ScotRail network had since 2015 been operated by the private-sector franchisee Abellio ScotRail. In December 2019, Transport Scotland announced Abellio had not met the performance criteria necessary to have its seven-year franchise extended for a further three years, and the franchise would conclude on 31 March 2022.
In March 2021, Transport Scotland announced that the franchise would not be re-tendered for another private-sector operator to run, but would be operated by an operator of last resort owned by the Scottish Government. The move was welcomed by the ASLEF, RMT and TSSA unions.
The then Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, confirmed in February 2022 that ScotRail services would return to public ownership. She invited key stakeholders to take part in a discussion on the future of the service, saying "I can confirm that the transition of ScotRail into Scottish Government control will take place on 1 April 2022. Whilst that’s good news, it’s clear that much work still needs to be done... I want to kick-start a National Conversation about what our new beginning for ScotRail should look like - an affordable, sustainable, customer focused rail passenger service in Scotland in a post pandemic world."
The Scottish Conservatives Transport Spokesman, Graham Simpson, criticised the planned consultation, saying that it "should be about lower fares, restoring services and stopping cuts to ticket offices - measures that will encourage people to use public transport." The Scottish Liberal Democrats added that discussions should have started two years earlier, when nationalisation was decided.
On 4 April 2022, on-board catering started to be reintroduced on ScotRail services. It had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May 2022, ASLEF balloted its members for strike action, with drivers refusing to work overtime. In May 2022, many Sunday services were cancelled due to driver shortages. ScotRail stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had prevented them from training an estimated 130 drivers. On 1 June 2022, ASLEF announced that it had rejected an improved pay offer from ScotRail.
A temporary timetable was brought in on 23 May 2022. The number of daily services was cut by around one-third, from approximately 2,150 to 1,456. Many early morning and late night services were cancelled. In June 2022, ASLEF recommended its members accept a revised offer. Services between Wick and Inverness on the Far North Line were cut from four trains each way per day to two. Stagecoach Highlands are expected to introduce an additional bus service on the route starting 6 June 2022.

## Services

ScotRail Trains took over all of the services operated by Abellio. As of June 2024, off-peak services delivered by ScotRail Monday to Friday are as follows:

### Central Belt

Argyle Line :
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Dalmuir to Larkhall | 2 | Singer, Drumry, Drumchapel, Westerton, Anniesland, Hyndland, Partick, Exhibition Centre, Anderston, Glasgow Central, Argyle Street, Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Newton, Blantyre, Hamilton West, Hamilton Central, Chatelherault, Merryton |
| Dalmuir to Cumbernauld | 1 | Clydebank, Yoker, Garscadden, Scotstounhill, Jordanhill, Hyndland, Partick, Exhibition Centre, Anderston, Glasgow Central, Argyle Street, Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Newton, Blantyre, Hamilton West, Hamilton Central, Airbles, Motherwell, Whifflet, Coatbridge Central, Greenfaulds |
| Dalmuir to Motherwell | 1 | Clydebank, Yoker, Garscadden, Scotstounhill, Jordanhill, Hyndland, Partick, Exhibition Centre, Anderston, Glasgow Central, Arygle Street, Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Cambuslang, Newton, Blantyre, Hamilton West, Hamilton Central, Airbles |
| Dalmuir to Motherwell | 1 | Clydebank, Yoker, Garscadden, Scotstounhill, Jordanhill, Hyndland, Partick, Exhibition Centre, Anderston, Glasgow Central, Argyle Street, Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Carmyle, Mount Vernon, Baillieston, Bargeddie, Kirkwood, Whifflet |
| Dalmuir to Whifflet | 1 | Clydebank, Yoker, Garscadden, Scotstounhill, Jordanhill, Hyndland, Partick, Exhibition Centre, Anderston, Glasgow Central, Argyle Street, Bridgeton, Dalmarnock, Rutherglen, Carmyle, Mount Vernon, Ballieston, Bargeddie, Kirkwood |
| Glasgow Central to Lanark | 2 | Cambuslang, Uddingston, Bellshill, Motherwell, Shieldmuir, Wishaw, Carluke |
| North Clyde Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Helensburgh Central to Edinburgh Waverley | 2 | Craigendoran, Cardross, Dalreoch, Dumbarton Central, Dumbarton East, Dalmuir, Hyndland, Partick, Charing Cross, Glasgow Queen Street, High Street, Bellgrove, Carntyne, Shettleston, Garrowhill, Easterhouse, Blairhill, Coatbridge Sunnyside, Coatdyke, Airdrie, Drumgelloch, Caldercruix, Blackridge, Armadale, Bathgate, Livingston North, Uphall, Edinburgh Park, Haymarket |
| Balloch to Airdrie | 2 | Alexandria, Renton, Dalreoch, Dumbarton Central, Dumbarton East, Bowling, Kilpatrick, Dalmuir, Singer, Drumry, Drumchapel, Westerton, Anniesland, Hyndland, Partick, Charing Cross, Glasgow Queen Street, High Street, Bellgrove, Carntyne, Shettleston, Garrowhill, Easterhouse, Blairhill, Coatbridge Sunnyside, Coatdyke |
| Milngavie to Springburn | 2 | Hillfoot, Bearsden, Westerton, Anniesland, Hyndland, Partick, Charing Cross, Glasgow Queen Street, High Street, Bellgrove, Duke Street, Alexandra Parade, Barnhill |
| Cumbernauld, Falkirk, and Maryhill Lines |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Cumbernauld | 1 | Springburn, Robroyston, Stepps, Gartcosh, Greenfaulds |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston | 1 | Springburn, Robroyston, Stepps, Gartcosh, Greenfaulds, Cumbernauld, Camelon |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley | 2 | Croy, Falkirk High, Polmont, Linlithgow, Haymarket |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Anniesland | 2 | Ashfield, Possilpark & Parkhouse, Gilshochill, Summerston, Maryhill, Kelvindale |
| Cathcart Circle Lines |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Newton | 1 | Pollokshields East, Queens Park, Crosshill, Mount Florida, Kings Park, Croftfoot, Burnside, Kirkhill |
| Glasgow Central to Newton | 1 | Pollokshields West, Maxwell Park, Shawlands, Pollokshaws East, Langside, Kings Park, Croftfoot, Burnside, Kirkhill |
| Glasgow Central to Neilston | 2 | Pollokshields East, Queens Park, Crosshill, Mount Florida, Cathcart, Muirend, Williamwood, Whitecraigs, Patterton |
| Glasgow Central to Glasgow Central via Cathcart v.v. | 1 | Pollokshields East, Queens Park, Crosshill, Mount Florida, Cathcart, Langside, Pollokshaws East, Shawlands, Maxwell Park, Pollokshields West |
| Paisley Canal Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Paisley Canal | 2 | Dumbreck, Corkerhill, Mosspark, Crookston, Hawkhead |
| Shotts Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts | 1 | Uddingston, Bellshill, Holytown, Carfin, Cleland, Hartwood, Shotts, Fauldhouse, Breich, Addiewell, West Calder, Livingston South, Kirknewton, Curriehill, Wester Hailes, Kingsknowe, Slateford, Haymarket |
| Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts | 1 | Bellshill, Shotts, West Calder, Livingston South, Haymarket |
| Inverclyde Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Gourock | 2 | Paisley Gilmour Street, Bishopton, Port Glasgow, Bogston, Cartsdyke, Greenock Central, Greenock West, Fort Matilda |
| Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay | 2 | Cardonald, Hillington East, Hillington West, Paisley Gilmour Street, Paisley St James, Bishopton, Langbank, Woodhall, Port Glasgow, Whinhill, Drumfrochar, Branchton, Inverkip |
| Ayrshire Coast Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Ayr | 2 | Paisley Gilmour Street, Johnstone, Kilwinning, Irvine, Barassie, Troon, Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick Town, Newton-on-Ayr |
| Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour | 1 | Paisley Gilmour Street, Johnstone, Milliken Park, Howwood, Lochwinnoch, Glengarnock, Dalry, Kilwinning, Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan South Beach, Ardrossan Town |
| Glasgow Central to Largs | 1 | Paisley Gilmour Street, Johnstone, Milliken Park, Howwood, Lochwinnoch, Glengarnock, Dalry, Kilwinning, Stevenston, Saltcoats, Ardrossan South Beach, West Kilbride, Fairlie |
| Glasgow South Western Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to East Kilbride | 2 | Crossmyloof, Pollokshaws West, Thornliebank, Giffnock, Clarkston, Busby, Thorntonhall (1tph), Hairmyres |
| Glasgow Central to Barrhead | 1 | Crossmyloof, Pollokshaws West, Kennishead, Priesthill & Darnley, Nitshill |
| Glasgow Central to Kilmarnock | 1 | Crossmyloof, Pollokshaws West, Kennishead, Priesthill & Darnley, Nitshill, Barrhead, Dunlop, Stewarton, Kilmaurs |
| Glasgow Central to Kilmarnock | 1⁄2 | Barrhead, Dunlop, Stewarton, Kilmaurs 1 train per day continues to Ayr (see below) 1 train per day continues to Girvan (see below) |
| Glasgow Central to Carlisle | 1⁄2 | Barrhead, Dunlop, Stewarton, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock, Auchinleck, New Cumnock, Kirkconnel, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Annan, Gretna Green |
| Dumfries to Carlisle | 1⁄2 | Annan, Gretna Green |
| Kilmarnock to Ayr | 7tpd | Troon, Prestwick Town (5tpd) 2 trains per day begin at Glasgow Central (see above) 3 trains per day extend to Girvan (see below) 2 trains per day extend to Stranraer (see below) |
| Ayr to Girvan | 1⁄2 | Maybole |
| Ayr to Stranraer | 1⁄4 | Maybole, Girvan, Barrhill |
| Carstairs and North Berwick Lines |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley via Carstairs | 1⁄2 | Motherwell, Wishaw, Carluke, Carstairs, Haymarket |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Dunbar | 1⁄2 | Musselburgh, Wallyford, East Linton |
| Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick | 1 | Musselburgh, Wallyford, Prestonpans, Longniddry, Drem |
| Borders Railway |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank | 2 | Brunstane, Newcraighall, Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow, Galashiels |

### Scotland National

West Highland Line :
| Route | tpd | Calling at |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Oban | 6 | Dalmuir, Dumbarton Central, Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Tyndrum Lower, Dalmally, Loch Awe, Falls of Cruachan (5tpd), Taynuilt, Connel Ferry Falls of Cruachan is only served between March and October. 3 trains per day run linked to a Mallaig portion between Glasgow and Crianlarich, see below |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig | 3 | Dalmuir, Dumbarton Central, Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich, Upper Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch, Corrour, Tulloch, Roy Bridge, Spean Bridge, Fort William, Banavie, Corpach, Loch Eil Outward Bound, Locheilside, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Beasdale, Arisaig, Morar Trains run linked to an Oban portion between Glasgow and Crianlarich, see above |
| Fort William to Mallaig | 1 | Banavie, Corpach, Loch Eil Outward Bound, Locheilside, Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Beasdale, Arisaig, Morar |
| Dalmally to Oban | 1 | Loch Awe, Taynuilt, Connel Ferry |
| Croy & Dunblane Lines |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Alloa | 2 | Bishopbriggs, Lenzie, Croy, Larbert, Stirling |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Dunblane | 2 | Haymarket, Edinburgh Park, Linlithgow, Falkirk Grahamston, Camelon, Larbert, Stirling, Bridge of Allan |
| Fife Circle Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Dundee | 1 | Haymarket, Edinburgh Gateway, Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Markinch, Ladybank, Cupar, Leuchars |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Perth | 1 | Haymarket, South Gyle, Edinburgh Gateway, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Markinch, Ladybank |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Cowdenbeath | 1 | Haymarket, Edinburgh Gateway, Dalmeny, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, Rosyth, Dunfermline City, Dunfermline Queen Margaret |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Glenrothes with Thornton | 1 | Haymarket, South Gyle, Edinburgh Gateway, Dalmeny, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, Rosyth, Dunfermline City, Dunfermline Queen Margaret, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Cardenden |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Leven | 1 | Haymarket, South Gyle, Edinburgh Gateway, Dalmeny, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Cameron Bridge |
| Glasgow - / Edinburgh - Aberdeen Lines |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen | 1 | Haymarket, Leuchars, Dundee, Arbroath, Montrose, Stonehaven Some services are skipped where services are operated along this route by London North Eastern Railway instead |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen | 1 | Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Arbroath, Montrose |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Dundee | 1 | Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Gleneagles, Perth, Invergowrie |
| Dundee to Arbroath | 1 | Broughty Ferry, Balmossie (limited), Monifieth, Barry Links (limited), Golf Street (limited), Carnoustie |
| Highland Main Line |||
| Route | tpd | Calling at |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness | 5 | Stirling, Perth, Dunkeld & Birnam, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl (2tpd), Dalwhinnie (2tpd), Newtonmore (1tpd), Kingussie, Aviemore, Carrbridge (2tpd) |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness | 5 | Haymarket, Stirling, Perth, Dunkeld & Birnham, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl (3tpd), Dalwhinnie (3tpd), Newtonmore (3tpd), Kingussie, Aviemore, Carrbridge (3tpd) |
| Aberdeen–Inverness Line |||
| Route | tph | Calling at |
| Montrose to Inverurie | 1 | Laurencekirk, Stonehaven, Portlethen, Aberdeen, Dyce, Kintore |
| Aberdeen to Inverurie | 1⁄2 | Dyce, Kintore |
| Aberdeen to Inverness | 1⁄2 | Dyce, Kintore, Inverurie, Insch, Huntly, Keith, Elgin, Forres, Nairn, Inverness Airport |
| Elgin to Inverness | 1⁄2 | Forres, Nairn, Inverness Airport |
| Far North & Kyle of Lochalsh Lines |||
| Route | tpd | Calling at |
| Inverness to Dingwall | 1 | Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge |
| Inverness to Invergordon | 1 | Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Alness |
| Inverness to Tain | 1 | Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Alness, Invergordon, Fearn |
| Inverness to Ardgay | 1 | Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Alness, Invergordon, Fearn, Tain |
| Inverness to Wick | 4 | Beauly (3tpd), Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge (3tpd), Dingwall, Alness, Invergordon, Fearn, Tain, Ardgay, Culrain, Invershin, Lairg, Rogart, Golspie, Dunrobin Castle (3tpd), Brora, Helmsdale, Kildonan, Kinbrace, Forsinard, Altnabreac, Scotscalder, Georgemas Junction (trains reverse), Thurso (trains reverse), Georgemas Junction Dunrobin Castle is only served between March and October. |
| Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh | 4 | Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Garve, Lochluichart, Achanalt, Achnasheen, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Attadale, Stromeferry, Duncraig, Plockton, Duirinish |
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Request stop

## Fleet

ScotRail operates a number of different electric and diesel train types in its fleet.
In 2021, ScotRail's predecessor introduced five newly refurbished Class 153 carriages, which are attached to two-car Class 156 units. These new carriages, named "Highland Explorer" feature a 50:50 split between seating and bicycle racks. The new carriage, which carries a £10 supplement to the regular ticket price, includes complimentary refreshments, cycling-themed interior decorations and external vinyl wrap, and maps for cyclists planning to explore Western Scotland by bicycle.
| Family | Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Top speed | Number | Carriages | Routes operated | Built | Notes |
| Family | Class | Image | Type | mph | km/h | Number | Carriages | Routes operated | Built | Notes |
| Inter7City |||||||||||
| High Speed Train | 43 | | Diesel locomotive | 125 | 200 | 52 | 4/5 | Aberdeen-Inverness Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Aberdeen Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness | 1975–1982 | Operates under the brand Inter7City. Fleet consists of 9 four-coach and 17 five-coach trains. 1 four coach train damaged in the Stonehaven derailment. |
| High Speed Train | Mark 3 | | Passenger carriage | 125 | 200 | 120 | 4/5 | Aberdeen-Inverness Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Aberdeen Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness | 1975–1982 | Operates under the brand Inter7City. Fleet consists of 9 four-coach and 17 five-coach trains. 1 four coach train damaged in the Stonehaven derailment. |
| Diesel multiple units |||||||||||
| Sprinter | 153 Super Sprinter | | DMU | 75 | 120 | 5 | 1 | West Highland Line (Attached to 156s) | 1987–1988 | |
| Sprinter | 156 Super Sprinter | | DMU | 75 | 120 | 42 | 2 | Glasgow South Western Line Maryhill Line Shotts Line West Highland Line | 1987–1989 | |
| Sprinter | 158 Express Sprinter | | DMU | 90 | 145 | 40 | 2 | Aberdeen-Inverness Line Borders Railway Far North Line Fife Circle Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness Kyle of Lochalsh line Maryhill Line Levenmouth rail link | 1989–1992 | |
| Bombardier Turbostar | 170 | | DMU | 100 | 161 | 34 | 3 | Aberdeen-Inverness Line Borders Railway Edinburgh to Aberdeen Line Fife Circle Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness Maryhill Line Levenmouth rail link | 1999–2001 2003-05 | |
| BR Second Generation (Mark 3) | 318 | | EMU | 90 | 145 | 21 | 3 | North Clyde Line Whifflet Line Cumbernauld Line Inverclyde Line Paisley Canal Line Argyle Line Cathcart Circle Lines Glasgow to Lanark via Motherwell | 1985–1986 | |
| BR Second Generation (Mark 3) | 320/3 | | EMU | 90 | 145 | 22 | 3 | North Clyde Line Whifflet Line Cumbernauld Line Inverclyde Line Paisley Canal Line Argyle Line Cathcart Circle Lines Glasgow to Lanark via Motherwell | 1990 | |
| BR Second Generation (Mark 3) | 320/4 | | EMU | 100 | 161 | 12 | 3 | North Clyde Line Whifflet Line Cumbernauld Line Inverclyde Line Paisley Canal Line Argyle Line Cathcart Circle Lines Glasgow to Lanark via Motherwell | 1989–1990 | Converted from Class 321/4. |
| Alstom Coradia Juniper | 334 | | EMU | 90 | 145 | 40 | 3 | North Clyde Line Argyle Line | 1999–2002 | |
| Siemens Desiro | 380 | | EMU | 100 | 161 | 22 | 3 | Ayrshire Coast Line Paisley Canal Line Inverclyde Line Cathcart Circle Lines | 2009–2011 | |
| Siemens Desiro | 380 | | EMU | 100 | 161 | 16 | 4 | Ayrshire Coast Line Paisley Canal Line Inverclyde Line Cathcart Circle Lines | 2009–2011 | |
| Hitachi AT200 | 385 | | EMU | 100 | 161 | 46 | 3 | Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to North Berwick/Dunbar Glasgow/Edinburgh to Dunblane and Alloa Glasgow-Cathcart Circle/Neilston/Newton Cumbernauld Line Glasgow to Edinburgh via Motherwell and Carstairs Glasgow to Lanark via Motherwell Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts Inverclyde Line Argyle Line | 2015–2019 | Operates under the brand eXpress. |
| Hitachi AT200 | 385 | | EMU | 100 | 161 | 24 | 4 | Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to North Berwick/Dunbar Glasgow/Edinburgh to Dunblane and Alloa Glasgow-Cathcart Circle/Neilston/Newton Cumbernauld Line Glasgow to Edinburgh via Motherwell and Carstairs Glasgow to Lanark via Motherwell Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts Inverclyde Line Argyle Line | 2015–2019 | Operates under the brand eXpress. |

## Electrification

Transport Scotland has a plan to implement the Scottish Government's policy to "decarbonise domestic passenger rail services", part of which involves replacing all diesel trains by 2035. The £55 million first phase, to electrify 104 km (65 mi) of Fife Circle track, between Haymarket and Dalmeny, for use by battery electric multiple units, was begun by Scottish Powerlines in June 2022 and is due to be completed by December 2024. Further phases will electrify the lines between Kinghorn, Thornton, Ladybank and Lochgelly.

## Stations

As of March 2022, ScotRail operates 355 stations in Scotland. Not included are Prestwick International Airport station, owned and operated by the airport, as well as both Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central, which are managed by Network Rail. ScotRail operates Lockerbie and Reston even though no ScotRail services currently call at either station.

## Depots

ScotRail's fleet is maintained at Edinburgh Haymarket, Glasgow Eastfield, Glasgow Shields Road, Corkerhill Glasgow, Yoker, Ayr Townhead, Bathgate, and Inverness, as well as a newly built EMU stabling depot at Millerhill in Midlothian and a rebuilt depot at Cadder Yard.