WEST Scotland MSP Katy Clark is calling on ScotRail to make improvements to the Largs rail service after the train operator restored its full timetable.

The full schedule has resumed following months of disruption caused by a long-running pay dispute, however, the MSP has urged ScotRail to ensure that the Largs to Glasgow service receives immediate attention to address its shortcomings.

For months, ScotRail services have been running on a reduced timetable, impacting communities across Scotland.

The disruption was exacerbated on the Largs route, with reduced services affecting residents, businesses and commuters in Largs, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Kilwinning and Irvine.

Ms Clark said: “While I welcome the restoration of the full timetable, it is imperative that ScotRail does not overlook the Largs to Glasgow route, which has been one of the most severely impacted during the disruption.

(Image: Newsquest)

“Residents in Largs and surrounding areas have been left without reliable transport options for far too long, and this has had significant effects on their daily lives."

The wage dispute was resolved with 75 per cent of Aslef members voting in favour of a new deal that included a 4.5 per cent pay rise, backdated to April.

However, despite this breakthrough, Katy Clark added: “The people of Largs deserve better than what they’ve been receiving.

"Even with the restoration of the full timetable, it’s crucial that ScotRail commits to a reliable and accessible service for those who rely on the Largs to Glasgow line.

"The current state of the service is unacceptable, and it’s essential that ScotRail prioritises this route moving forward.”

The restoration of peak fares, reintroduced on September 27, has also drawn criticism from trade unions and environmental groups, who argue that the move contradicts Scotland's sustainable travel goals. 

Ms Clark echoed these concerns, calling for fairer pricing structures, especially for regions like Largs that have been disproportionately affected by service cuts.

She added: "The reintroduction of peak fares, combined with the reduced service, feels like another blow to working people in our communities.

"The Scottish Government and ScotRail need to rethink fare structures and make affordable, reliable public transport a priority, particularly in rural and less connected areas."

A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Last year, ScotRail has held a public consultation on services in Ayrshire and Inverclyde.
"More than 800 responses were received and changes made as a result.
 "Full details of the consultation can be found here - Ayrshire and Inverclyde Timetable Consultation | ScotRail."