Trains cancelled amid ScotRail staff shortages

Train passengers have faced disruption across Scotland due to staff shortages.

Some services were cancelled and replaced with buses. Others operated a reduced service, making a limited number of stops.

In a statement on Twitter, ScotRail confirmed: "Due to train crew shortages some services will be cancelled or altered today."

They asked passengers to check their route before they travel as they expected disruption throughout the day.

Some passengers took to social media to complain about overcrowded trains as a result of the cancelled and altered services.

Transport union RMT currently has an overtime ban in place on ScotRail, with members refusing to work overtime or on rest days.

They are in dispute over rest day payments for train staff.

Mick Hogg, the union's regional organiser, said there was "no question" that the industrial action had caused the disruption.

"It's absolute carnage out there," he said.

Mr Hogg said the union had sympathy with the passengers but said ScotRail were to blame for "unfair" employment practices.

However ScotRail said most of Sunday's disruption was due to crew training ahead of a new timetable being introduced next Sunday.

A spokesman said: "We're sorry to our customers who have experienced disruption to their journey.

"The majority of the impact is a result of our final push to deliver the December timetable improvements which will bring faster journeys, more seats, and more services for our customers."

Services that were cancelled included some between Glasgow and Oban/ Fort William and Mallaig; and between Inverness and the Kyle of Lochalsh.

Routes connecting the central belt with Fife, the Borders, Dunblane, Stirling, Alloa, Aberdeen and Inverness were also subject to disruption.