Ducklings saved minutes before being hit by train

The lucky ducklings that were rescued. Picture: ScotRail

The hours-old birds were scooped up to safety minutes before a train was due to arrive at the platform - despite attempting to escape by running in different directions.

The motherless ducklings were spotted by ScotRail catering attendant Ian Kinning as the train he was on came into the station on Sunday.

ScotRail said they were so tiny they kept getting stuck between the rails, before being rescued by fitters - train engineers - Derek Adamson and John Robertson.

Mr Robertson said: “I was on the track working on a train at the time so I had already closed the line where the ducklings were walking, which was quite convenient.

“There was a train due into the platform four minutes after we removed the last duckling from the tracks, so I’m just glad there was a happy ending.”

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Jean MacKay collected the ducklings, which are being cared for at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust in Ayrshire.

She said: “As there was no sign of mum, I took the ducklings to a local wildlife rescue organisation where they will receive care.

“These ducklings are very lucky to be alive and I’d like to praise the quick-thinking staff who managed to safely contain them all before contacting us for assistance.”

Station duty manager Jennifer O’Neill said: “The ducklings were adorable – they really made my day.

“It took about five minutes to get them all off the tracks because they were running away in different directions.”