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This page is about the train operator from April 2022. For previous operators, see ScotRail (brand).

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ScotRail

Rèile na h-Alba

Two ScotRail Class 43 (HST) Inter7City trains at Pitlochry

Overview

Franchise(s)

ScotRail

Main region(s)

Scotland

Parent company

Scottish Rail Holdings

Reporting mark

Dates of operation

1 April 2022–present

Predecessor

Abellio ScotRail

Route map

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
Services
- Central Belt
- Scotland National
Fleet
Electrification
Stations
Depots

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 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 December 2023^[update], 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
Inverclyde Line
Route	tph	Calling at
Glasgow Central to Gourock	2	Cardonald, Hillington East, Hillington West, Paisley Gilmour Street, Paisley St James, Bishopton, Langbank, Woodhall, Port Glasgow, Bogston, Cartsdyke, Greenock Central, Greenock West, Fort Matilda
Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay	1	Paisley Gilmour Street, Bishopton, 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, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, 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
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

Fleet

ScotRail operates a number of different electric and diesel train types in its fleet.

In 2021, ScotRail 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		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		1975–1982
Diesel multiple units
Sprinter	153 Super Sprinter		DMU	75	120	5	1	West Highland Line (Attached to 156s)	1987–1988
	156 Super Sprinter			75	42	2	Glasgow South Western Line Maryhill Line Shotts Line West Highland Line	1987–1989
	158 Express Sprinter			90	145	2	40	Aberdeen-Inverness Line Borders Railway Far North Line Fife Circle Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness Kyle of Lochalsh line Maryhill Line	1989–1992
	158 Express Sprinter			90	145
Bombardier Turbostar	170			100	161	30	3	Aberdeen-Inverness Line Borders Railway Edinburgh to Aberdeen Line Fife Circle Line Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness Maryhill Line	1999–2001 2003-05
Bombardier Turbostar	170			100	161
Electric multiple units
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
	320/3			90	145	22			1990
	320/4			100	161	12			1989–1990	Converted from Class 321/4.
Alstom Coradia Juniper	334			90	145	40		North Clyde Line Argyle Line	1999–2002
Alstom Coradia Juniper	334			90	145
Siemens Desiro	380			100	161	22	3	Ayrshire Coast Line Paisley Canal Line Inverclyde Line Cathcart Circle Lines North Berwick Line Glasgow to Edinburgh via Shotts	2009–2011
						16	4		2009–2011

Hitachi AT200	385					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.
						24	4		2015–2019

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^[update], 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.

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