A new partnership between ScotRail and Brompton Bicycle means passengers can explore Scotland by rail and bike, with free cycle hire.

24-hour free bike hire is now available in Inverness, Elgin and Oban thanks to the partnership.

All passengers need to do is download the Brompton Bike Hire app, register their details with a bank card and a valid form of ID and enter promotional code SCOTRAIL.

The code is then valid for 24 hours and will allow users to hire a Brompton bike, returning it when they are finished.

Bikes can also be kept for longer at £5 a day.

Andrew Marshall-Roberts, ScotRail Active Travel Manager, said: “ScotRail is committed to promoting active travel and developing a more integrated transport network in Scotland.

“We know that journeys don’t start and end at the train station, and there are increasing numbers of people taking day trips, long weekends, and short stays across the country.

“Our new partnership with Brompton Bike Hire will allow more people to explore the best that scenic Scotland has to offer while encouraging an active lifestyle with great economic benefits for the tourist industry in these areas.”

Julian Scriven, Brompton Bike Hire Managing Director, said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with ScotRail offering rail users the unique opportunity to explore the beauty that Scotland has to offer on a Brompton.

“More than 90 per cent of our bike hires are part of a multi-modal journey so this partnership makes a lot of sense.

“By offering free bike hire, it means we can open new places and experiences to customers who may not have considered combining cycling with their rail journey before.”