South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded action as new figures reveal 50 per cent of train stations in East Ayrshire, and 78 per cent in South Ayrshire, are not fully accessible.

New analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that many train stations in the area are not fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Of East Ayrshire’s six train stations, just 3 are fully accessible. Auchinleck, Kilmaurs and New Cumnock are not.

In South Ayrshire, only two of the area’s nine stations are fully accessible. Ayr, Barassie, Barrhill, Girvan, Newton On Ayr, Prestwick Town and Troon are not. However, at present services at Ayr station continue to be affected by the recent fire in the former Ayr Station Hotel.

Responsibility for improving accessibility at Scottish stations is shared by both the UK and the Scottish Government.

Colin Smyth has branded these figures a “scandal” and demanded action from both SNP and Tory governments.

Colin Smyth said: “It is shameful that disabled people are still being are locked out of some train stations in parts of Ayrshire.

“The Tories and the SNP Government’s both have a responsibility to make sure our train stations are fit for purpose – but both have failed miserably with many of our local stations either almost completely or partly inaccessible for disabled passengers.

“Our two governments must work better together to design a real plan to end this scandal and ensure rail travel is accessible to everyone.

“My constituents in Ayrshire deserves a modern, accessible rail network so our communities can thrive.”