South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has said he is disappointed that no firm date has been given for the reinstatement of full Ayr to Stranraer rail services.

The comments come after Colin Smyth questioned Alex Hynes, Managing Director of the Scot Rail Alliance, at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee today (14 November).

Alex Hynes was also asked to give a guarantee that contingency plans were put in place should there be any further disruption at Ayr Station in the future.

Speaking afterwards, Colin Smyth MSP said, “While it is welcomed by passengers that some services have been reinstated on the Stranraer to Ayr line, I am disappointed that no firm date has yet been provided for the full reinstatement on services by Scot Rail. Many passengers from Stranraer, Barrhill, Girvan and Maybole rely on the train services to travel for their studies and employment”.

“It is accepted by everybody that there is likely to be further disruption in securing Ayr Station Hotel and any future works that are required. The obvious answer is to erect temporary platforms at the Townhead Depot and to ensure there are train carriages on the track south of Ayr Station to minimise any future disruption. Scot Rail didn’t give any firm guarantees today on contingency plans. I do, however, welcome that a contingency plan is on the Station Taskforce’s agenda and would encourage all partners to ensure that no stone is left unturned in minimising disruption for passengers.”