SCOTRAIL has issued a warning ahead of this weekend's men's Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Travellers are urged to plan their journeys in advance as Falkirk take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Hampden Park on April 29 at 12.15pm, before Celtic play Rangers on April 30 at 1.30pm.

The train operator is adding extra carriages and staff between Glasgow Central and Ayr, and between Dalmuir and Motherwell, Cumbernauld and Larkhall.

It is also asking Rangers fans to queue on the Carriage Drive off Hope Street at Glasgow Central and travel on trains to Mount Florida, and Hoops fans to queue on the main concourse for services to King's Park. 

Queuing systems will be in place at stations before and after the final whistle.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail head of customer operations, said: “We’re preparing for a big weekend of football and festivals, with fans travelling to Glasgow to cheer on their team in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, while music lovers will be heading to Pavilion festival in Ayr and Stereofunk in Chatelherault. 

“To help the events run smoothly, we’ll be running as many trains as possible over the weekend, however, trains will be much busier than normal, so our advice to customers is to plan ahead. 

“I encourage anyone travelling this weekend to allow extra time for travel, and to minimise your need to queue, buy your return tickets in advance on the ScotRail app or website.”