ScotRail carrying out event planning for Viking Festival

We reported earlier this week how the Viking Festival committee are in talks with transport companies to provide an improved service for the town throughout the duration of the festival which runs from August 31 until September 8.

And to add further weight to this, Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has contacted ScotRail to convey constituents’ concerns and asked the rail operator to enhance the service.

Mr Gibson has been in talks with Scott Prentice, Strategy & Planning Director for the rail company, regarding train arrangements being given a strong focus during the festival.

MSP Kenenth Gibson says that it is imperative that there is a reliable rail network throughout Viking Festival (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Gibson said: “It has taken around three weeks to ensure stability for the temporary train timetable, however I have been reassured by ScotRail that this past week Largs trains were formed with more carriages – 22 of the 34 trains Monday to Friday and 19 of the 32 trains on a Saturday having at least six carriages, increasing capacity.

“While constructive pay talks are continuing between ScotRail and trade unions, I am delighted that ScotRail is now developing special event plans for Largs Viking Festival in conjunction with the event organisers.

“Largs Viking Festival is a highlight of the North Ayrshire calendar and reliable public transportation is absolutely imperative to its success.”

ScotRail Strategy & Planning Director, Scott Prentice, said: “We’ve no concerns about the reliability of the service Monday to Saturday, notwithstanding the normal events outwith ScotRail control such as weather (particularly at Saltcoats), infrastructure failures and trespass. 

“Unfortunately Sundays continue to be a challenge. 

ScotRail planning director Scott Prentice: 'Unfortunately Sundays still pose a challenge' 
“For most of our employees, Sundays are a rostered overtime shift, rather than part of the contractual working week. Even the much reduced service level in the temporary timetable, we are still not able to cover all services.

“For the last two weeks, we’ve tried a different approach and proactively removed the services we won’t be able to operate from the timetable on a Thursday night rather than planning it on the Saturday evening. 

“This has resulted in the Sunday service operating more reliably, but we recognise the frequency of service – which is broadly half of the normal timetable – makes travel much more difficult for customers.

“We will formally communicate our plans to support Largs Viking festival before the event starts. This will be close to normal for Mondays to Saturdays but there will be a reduced service on the Sunday. 

“Our team will liaise with the event organisers to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy it and travel sustainably by rail.“

This year's Viking festival, from August 31 to September 8, includes an opening parade, a new extended Viking Village, food market, Festival of Fire, and much more.

Improved transportation options include an increase in frequency of buses and ongoing talks with ScotRail. See story here: https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/24498809.largs-viking-festival-fire-parking-plan-2024/