The organisers of The Open golf championship next week have advised people not to travel to the event by train after Scotrail warned of ‘a very limited number of trains’ to and from the nearest station.
The 150th Open, one of four 'majors' in the global golfing calendar, takes place on the Old Course at St Andrews from 10-17 July, including practice days.
In a statement, Scotrail said that due to its temporary timetable it would be running ‘a very limited number of trains’ to and from Leuchars, the nearest station to St Andrews, during The Open.
It said this would see trains between Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen and Leuchars operating roughly every 60 minutes on championship days, i.e. from 14 July to 17 July.
It added: ‘Space on board trains is very limited, and no rail replacement transport is available, so please plan ahead, check your entire journey, and know what alternative modes of transport are available.’
The event website states: ‘It is anticipated that there will be a high number of spectators attending throughout the week. To minimise road traffic congestion, The R&A is asking spectators to consider the use of public transport, which will be significantly enhanced for travel convenience.’
However, it adds: ‘Due to circumstances out of our control, we are advising all ticket holders that they should not travel by rail using ScotRail services to and from Leuchars when attending The Open each day.
‘All ticket holders should travel by road or use alternative public transport.’
Unsurprisingly, the inability of Scotland’s national train service to run sufficient trains for this event has been severely criticised by Twitter users.
In May, ScotRail introduced a reduced timetable after ‘a significant number’ of drivers declined to make themselves available for overtime or rest day working, which the nationalised operator linked to union ASLEF balloting for industrial action over pay.
Last month ASLEF negotiators agreed an improved pay offer but its members still have to vote on the deal.
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