Passengers will still be able to travel across most of Scotland’s railway network this Christmas and New Year as Network Rail carries out more than £15 million worth of engineering enhancements aimed at improving reliability and performance.
The programme of works will focus on key locations including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife, with major upgrades scheduled during the festive period when passenger numbers are typically lower.
Customers are being encouraged to plan ahead and check journey details before travelling, as some routes will experience temporary service alterations while work is completed.
Major Investment in Glasgow’s North Clyde Lines
The most substantial project will take place on Glasgow’s North Clyde network, which links Helensburgh, Balloch and Milngavie with the city centre via the low-level stations.
Engineers will undertake the renewal of ageing overhead line equipment between Hyndland and Yoker from 25 to 29 December, followed by work between Partick and Westerton from 1 to 4 January.
The infrastructure being replaced is more than 65 years old in places and forms part of a wider three-year, £20 million programme to modernise Scotland’s original electrified railway. The investment will continue through festive periods in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Gary Hopkirk, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said:
"For many people, the festive period means time off work and the chance to catch up with family and friends. The railway is generally quieter too, so it makes sense to use that opportunity to carry out some of the bigger jobs that are harder to do when the network is at its busiest.
“Most of the railway will still be open and we want people to get out and enjoy Christmas and New Year.”
“We’d just ask passengers to check their journey before travelling, particularly if they’re heading through an area where we’re working. I’d also like to thank our teams who’ll be giving up part of their festive season to keep improving Scotland’s railway.”
Additional Festive Engineering Works Across Scotland
Alongside the North Clyde upgrades, Network Rail will complete a range of projects across the country, including:
- Renewal of approximately 1.5km of track at Murrayfield and Haymarket in Edinburgh on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Vegetation clearance between Dalmeny, Ladybank and the Tay Bridge to improve railway resilience.
- Significant track and points renewal work in Dundee on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Structural inspections and repairs at Glasgow Queen Street station on New Year’s Day.
- Replacement of life-expired track components at Finnieston in Glasgow between 3 and 4 January.
These works are designed to extend asset life, improve reliability and reduce future maintenance requirements across the Scottish rail network.
ScotRail Urges Customers to Plan Ahead
ScotRail says it will work closely with Network Rail to minimise disruption and maintain services wherever possible throughout the festive period.
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
"We know that this essential engineering work will mean changes to journeys for some customers over Christmas and New Year, and we appreciate their patience and understanding while the improvements are carried out.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to keep customers moving and minimise the impact of the works, helping people continue to travel with confidence throughout the festive period.
“We’d encourage everyone planning to travel over the Christmas and New Year period to check their journey in advance through the ScotRail website or app and allow extra time where necessary.”
With most routes remaining operational throughout the holiday season, the investment programme aims to balance passenger access with essential infrastructure renewal, helping to deliver a safer and more reliable railway for years to come.
Image credit: Network Rail
