Trains to be disrupted on Scottish Cup final day

HIBS and Celtic fans heading for Sunday’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park are warned of disruption to three of the four rail routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow because of engineering work.

Some 50,000 people are expected to travel to the national stadium but trains will not call at several stations on the main line between the two cities, and buses will replace trains on two secondary routes, leaving only the line via Airdrie and Bathgate unaffected.

However, ScotRail said more and longer trains would run on several routes.

The game offers Hibs another chance to lift the cup for the first time since 1902 after losing to Hearts 5-1 in last year’s final.

On the main line, trains will be diverted via Falkirk Grahamston so will not call at Falkirk High, or stop at Croy, with some 15 minutes added to journeys. Buses will operate from Croy, Lenzie and Bishopbriggs to Glasgow Queen Street.

Replacement buses will also run on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line via Shotts, and on the Edinburgh-Carstairs section of the fourth east-west line.

Network Rail said a range of bridge, track and signalling work was involved. A spokesman said: “These engineering works are vital to the long-term future of the railway and are part of a wider programme of enhancements being delivered across the central belt.

“We are working hard to limit disruption to journeys as much as we can and to deliver these improvements to our infrastructure as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

A ScotRail spokeswoman said: “We have worked hard to put plans in place that will limit the impact of the engineering works on our customers. To help meet demand from football fans, there will be additional trains and extra carriages on key routes before and after the Scottish Cup final. Fans can help by buying their train tickets to Hampden in advance and allowing extra time to travel.”

Police Scotland urged fans to make their travel arrangements before leaving for the game.

Superintendent David Carradice, of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division, said: “I would encourage all supporters to plan their day and travel, in advance. I would remind people it is not permissible to drink alcohol on supporters’ buses, trains or any form of public transport.

“It is also an offence in Glasgow to drink alcohol in streets and public places and anyone arriving at the turnstiles drunk will not be allowed entry into the stadium.”