ScotRail to add extra services for busy weekend in Glasgow

ScotRail is ready to welcome thousands of people on board during a packed weekend of sport, music, and entertainment <i>(Image: Archives)</i>
ScotRail is ready to welcome thousands of people on board during a packed weekend of sport, music, and entertainment (Image: Archives)
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ScotRail is preparing for a surge in passengers during a packed weekend of sport, music and entertainment.

The train operator expects thousands of travellers across the central belt as major events take place in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including both Premier Sports Cup semi-finals and the Scotland v USA rugby international.

ScotRail will run extra services and operate trains with additional carriages before and after Saturday's events, including the Motherwell v St Mirren match at Hampden Park and Scotland’s rugby clash with the USA at BT Murrayfield.


Read more: ScotRail rush hour trains at Glasgow Central disrupted by swan on tracks


Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said: “It’s going to be a very busy weekend right across Scotland’s Railway, with big matches, concerts and events in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“We’ll have extra trains and more seats to help get people where they need to be, but services will be busy, particularly around Hampden and Murrayfield.

“Our advice is to plan ahead, buy your tickets before you travel, and allow extra time for your journey.

“Queuing systems will be in place at key stations, so please follow the instructions of staff to help keep everyone moving safely.”

St Mirren supporters are advised to use services via Mount Florida, while Motherwell fans should travel to and from the stadium via Kings Park.

Queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Central before the match, and at Mount Florida and Kings Park afterwards.

Rugby fans heading to Murrayfield should travel to Edinburgh Haymarket, which is within walking distance of the stadium.

After the match, a holding area will be in place on Haymarket Terrace to safely manage crowds.

Other events expected to increase passenger numbers include Hearts v Dundee at Tynecastle and Livingston v Hibernian at Almondvale Stadium.

Large crowds are also expected at the Terminal V Festival 2025 at the Royal Highland Centre and various concerts at Glasgow’s SEC Campus, including Four Brit’s Book Fest, Steve Backshall Live and Marti Pellow at the OVO Hydro.

Organised fireworks displays, including one in Newton, are also set to draw additional evening travellers.

The busy weekend continues on Sunday with the Celtic v Rangers semi-final at Hampden.

Rangers supporters should use Mount Florida services, while Celtic fans are advised to travel via Kings Park.


Read more: Danny Rohl gives update on Rangers' search for new first-team coach


ScotRail encourages all travellers to buy tickets in advance.

Additional staff will be deployed throughout the network to assist customers.

Additional travel information for the Premier Sports Cup fixtures and the Quilter Nations Series match is available on the ScotRail website.

ScotRail has emphasised the importance of early travel, and passengers are reminded to follow instructions from train staff to ensure a smooth and safe journey for everyone.

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