Rail route to boost service

RAIL bosses have announced plans for four trains an hour between Edinburgh and Bathgate with the opening of a new £300-million route.

The Airdrie-Bathgate line, which will be used by trains travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow, is set to open on December 12.

Operator ScotRail said there will be four trains an hour between Edinburgh and Bathgate during weekday peak times - double the current number.

At all other times there will be a half-hourly service - including the first direct services from Helensburgh to Edinburgh.

A ScotRail spokesman said: "We are delighted to introduce the new services on December 12. They will encourage more people to switch to public transport."