ScotRail temporary Sunday timetable comes into force as half of services cancelled amid pay row

Rail passengers are being urged to double-check their travel plans with ScotRail on Sunday ahead of widespread cancellations due to the ongoing pay dispute with drivers.

Just over half of the national rail operator’s services will be running on the last day of the bank holiday weekend amid discontent over a “derisory” pay rise offer.

Workers from the Aslef union rejected a 4.2% wage increase last week following negotiations with the newly-nationalised firm.

Drivers are refusing to work overtime or on rest days, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of services.

Union leaders have urged ScotRail bosses to “rejig” the pay deal, but the firm said it was “disappointed and frustrated” negotiations had broken down.

A temporary timetable has been put in place, with the vast majority of routes subject to changes.

Trains on the main line between Edinburgh and Glasgow will cease at 10:00pm – 90 minutes earlier than normal.

Meanwhile, the last train between Edinburgh and Aberdeen leaves at 7:15pm and includes a change in Dundee, while those travelling from the capital to Inverness will have to change in Perth when their service leaves at 5.50pm.

The temporary Sunday timetables can be found on the ScotRail website.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We’re sorry to customers for the disruption on Sundays over recent weeks so this temporary timetable will provide greater certainty and reliability for customers.

“We’re incredibly disappointed and frustrated that Aslef bosses have rejected this improved pay offer. It’s astonishing that they will not even put this offer to their members.

“Our substantially improved pay offer reflects the cost-of-living challenges faced by families across the country, while balancing it against the need to provide value for the taxpayer.

“We have offered to meet Aself but, in the meantime, would urge them to reconsider this offer in the interest of their members and the future of the railway in Scotland.

“We’re asking customers to check their journey on our website, mobile app, and through our social media channels as train times will have changed.”