With three major sporting events taking place in Scotland this weekend, ScotRail expects its trains services to be very busy and has issued travel advice to make travellers’ journeys easier.

Tomorrow, Saturday, 20 April, Aberdeen plays Celtic at Hampden Park in the first of the weekend’s Scottish Cup Semi-Finals with a 12.30 kick off.

The second semi-final is on Sunday, 21 April, also at Hampden Park, when Rangers play Hearts with a 15.00 kick off.

As in previous major fixtures at Hampden Park, before and after both matches, additional trains will operate between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida, and queuing systems will be in place at both stations.

Also on Saturday, 20 April, Scotland’s biggest horseracing meeting takes place at Ayr Racecourse featuring the Scottish Grand National.

Extra seats will be provided on services between Glasgow Central and Prestwick Town from where a shuttle bus service will run between 10.00 and 13.00 to Allison Street in Ayr, a short walk from the racecourse.

After the end of racing, shuttle buses will run to Prestwick Town from 17.00 to 20.30.

To avoid queuing on the day, ScotRail advises customers should purchase their tickets in advance via the mTicket system on the ScotRail app.

Extra staff will be on hand at key stations throughout the weekend to assist customers, and travellers are reminded that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in ScotRail stations.

On Sunday, 21 April, services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts will be affected by engineering works, with an amended timetable in operation.

Train services between Lanark and Glasgow Central will be replaced by a rail-replacement bus service.

This weekend is a busy one for major sporting events, and we are looking forward to playing our part to help people travel to both Hampden Park and Ayr Racecourse.

In addition to adding more trains and more seats, the ongoing issues at Ayr station following the fire at the former station hotel means that we need to do more to support our customers.

As a result, we have managed to secure buses to operate a special shuttle service to and from Prestwick Town, which will help hundreds of people enjoy one of the most iconic events in the Scottish sporting calendar.

Our advice to customers is to leave extra time for travel as trains are likely to be busier than normal, and we will have extra staff in place to offer advice and assistance along the way.

Buying your return tickets in advance through our mTicket system on the ScotRail app will reduce your need to queue, and help your journey run smoothly.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director