Scotland braces for strikes halting almost all of ScotRail train services

Almost all trains across Scotland will grind to a halt on Monday night as industrial action by rail workers will see 89% of services cease for three days this week.

Nationwide strikes by Network Rail signal workers start on Tuesday after talks failed to resolve a row over pay, jobs and conditions.

The action by tens of thousands of rail workers will cripple services for most of the week, with action on June 21, 23 and 25 affecting each of the following days too.

Only 180 ScotRail services are scheduled to run on just five routes, confined to the central belt.

Strikes: A handful of services will run due to the industrial action STV News

The recently-nationalised train operator urged customers to only travel if they really need to, and said they should consider alternative options where possible.

There have been warnings the strikes will cut off communities in the north of Scotland where no services will be running at all.

The disruption will impact customers travelling to events such as The Eagles at Murrayfield on Wednesday, June 22, Colourbox Festival at Bellahouston Park on Saturday, June 25, and Liam Gallagher at Hampden Park on Sunday, June 26.

This dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however, it does have a major knock-on effect on the train operator’s ability to provide services as the planned action involves Network Rail staff in Scotland who are members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.

Around a third of services were axed in May amid a pay dispute with train drivers. Aslef, the union, has recommended members accept an improved offer including a 5% rise as they are balloted.

Reduced emergency timetables have continued with the union expect to announce the result of a vote on the deal on July 11.