iStockScotRail will run an ‘Inverness Express’ train service to help fans travelling to and from from the Scottish Cup Final next month.
It comes after an MSP urged action over the difficulties facing supporters making their way from the Highlands to Glasgow.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle will play Celtic at Hampden Park on Saturday, June 3, with a 5.30pm kick-off.
The game was originally planned for its traditional 3pm slot but a decision was made last month to move to later that day.
The decision was reportedly made to avoid a clash with the English FA Cup after that was moved to 3pm.
It meant fans travelling from Inverness by train would miss their last journey home if they stayed for the duration of the game.
But ScotRail revealed on Thursday that they would be running the football special to help fans get to and from the national stadium with as little hassle possible.
The train will depart Inverness station at 11:03am and will travel non-stop to Glasgow Queen Street, arriving at 14:21 on the day of the game.
For the return journey, the train will depart from Glasgow Queen Street at 20:48pm and arrive back in Inverness just after midnight.
But if the game goes to extra time and penalties, it will depart Queen Street at 21:30, and arrive in back in Inverness at 12.27am.
Tickets will cost £76.90 return for adults with child fares also available.
The ticket cost also covers fans’ additional return travel by ScotRail train between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida, the station nearest Hampden Park.
Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and book their tickets for travel as the football special is the only available service back to Inverness after the final whistle.
The rail operator said: “We’re pleased to announce we’ll be running an ‘Inverness Express’ football special to help Inverness Caledonian Thistle supporters travel to and from the men’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park on Saturday, June 3.”
Inverness CT praised the move.
CEO Scot Gardiner said: “I am delighted to see ScotRail really stepping up to the plate for Highland football fans on this occasion.
“We have been in very constructive communications with them since May 4, and to see everyone’s efforts come to fruition to give Caley Thistle fans another option to be able to enjoy what will be a fantastic occasion in Glasgow, is what we have all been trying to achieve.
“On behalf of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, we thank them for making the ‘Inverness Express’ a reality on 3 June.”
Emma Roddick, the Scottish Parliament representative for the Highlands and Islands, had earlier asked transport minister Kevin Stewart to assist in the matter.
After ScotRail’s announcement on Thursday she said: “Last week, I wrote to Transport Minister KevinStewart asking for a later train to be put on for Inverness CT fans travelling back to Inverness on Scottish Cup Final day.
“Pleased to see this happening with ScotRail now running an extra service on the day.”
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