ScotRail has announced significant adjustments to its rail network timetable, set to come into effect from Sunday, May 17, 2026. The revisions encompass widespread service changes, including enhancements in key regions and strategic withdrawals, alongside a continued commitment to fare stability until 2027.
The updated schedule is designed to address operational requirements, facilitate planned engineering works, and cater to the growing demand for leisure travel, particularly on weekends. A notable aspect of the announcement is the extension of the current fare freeze until 2027, a measure previously confirmed by First Minister John Swinney as part of broader efforts to support the public with the cost of living. This freeze applies to all ScotRail fares, including Season tickets and Flexipass, following the earlier abolition of peak fares.
In the North East of Scotland, passengers can expect enhanced Sunday local services operating between Aberdeen and Montrose, as well as between Aberdeen and Inverurie. Additionally, an extra 08:05 service from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen will be introduced on Sundays, aiming to provide more travel options for leisure and events.
Across the wider network, several improvements are slated. Saturday services on the Glasgow Queen Street–Anniesland route via Maryhill will see additional trains. Sundays will benefit from an extra evening return service between Glasgow Central and Kilmarnock, and a second train per hour on the Levenmouth Rail Link. The East Kilbride line will see an increased deployment of electric trains on Sundays, while North Berwick services will be bolstered on Saturdays. Further enhancements include an additional 08:15 Ayr to Glasgow Central service on Sundays and strengthened Edinburgh Waverley to Helensburgh Central services on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Conversely, some services will be temporarily withdrawn to accommodate essential infrastructure projects. Two late-evening services on the Borders line – the 23:19 from Tweedbank to Edinburgh and the 23:44 from Edinburgh to Tweedbank – will be suspended to facilitate ongoing electrification work. This electrification project forms part of a £342 million Scottish Government investment aimed at decarbonising routes in Fife and the Borders, with the goal of introducing battery-electric trains by 2031 to cut carbon emissions and improve service quality.
Furthermore, the 06:47 Kingussie to Inverness service will be permanently withdrawn. ScotRail cites low customer demand as the reason for this decision, noting that fewer than 10 passengers typically utilise the service on an average day.
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Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, commented on the changes, stating: “We are introducing a number of timetable changes from Sunday, 17 May, the majority of which are on Saturdays and Sundays to meet the growing demand for leisure travel.
“These additional services will provide customers with more choice and flexibility, helping more people travel by rail for leisure, events, and days out. There are a small number of changes for operational requirements and planned engineering works so the Borders route can be electrified, making rail travel more sustainable. Customers should check their regular journeys before travelling, as some train times may have changed.”
Passengers are advised to verify their travel plans via the ScotRail website, mobile app, or social media channels due to potential alterations in train times.
