SCOTRAIL has confirmed that its normal timetable will soon be reintroduced after months of reduced services caused by a dispute over pay for drivers.

But disruption on Scotland's railways isn't quite over after three new strike days were announced as part of a separate dispute.

The recently nationalised rail operator cut hundreds of services in May amid a staff shortage and drivers refusing to work on rest days.

Following negotiations, members of the union Aslef agreed to accept ScotRail's improved 5 per cent pay offer this week – meaning an end to disruption.

From Wednesday, July 20, hundreds of services will be brought back and the temporary timetable brought to an end.

ScotRail said work is under way to ensure that the timetable can be fully restored, with nearly 700 services returned, and planning staff are working flat out to carry out the changes required.

However, though the dispute between Aslef and ScotRail has been resolved, a separate row between the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) and Network Rail, plus 14 train operating companies, has not - and on Thursday night the RMT announced three further strike days.

Although ScotRail is not directly involved in the RMT dispute, many of the company's train services were unable to operate when Network Rail signalling and maintenance staff in Scotland walked out on three separate days at the end of June.

The same is likely to happen on the three latest RMT strike days - now confirmed as July 27, August 18 and August 20.

Referring to the resumption of the full ScotRail timetable next week, David Simpson, ScotRail's service delivery director, said: “We are delighted to be able to reintroduce the timetable, adding almost 700 services each day, and delivering the service that our customers expect and deserve.

Clydebank Post:

“It has been a very challenging few months, impacting those across the country who rely on rail travel and on our staff too.

“It is a big step forward to reach such a positive resolution and continue in our efforts to provide the safest, greenest, and most reliable railway we can.

"We thank customers for their patience through this period.”