A Glasgow man has won a five-star holiday to Dubai after entering a ScotRail competition earlier this year as part of its launch of the Smartcard Benefits scheme.

University of Strathclyde employee, Aidan Johnston (38) from Giffnock, was among the thousands of ScotRail Smartcard holders who entered the prize draw.

He will be jetting off with a friend from Glasgow to Dubai, where they’ll spend seven nights in a five-star hotel this June, courtesy of the ScotRail Alliance.

Aidan, a ScotRail Smartcard season ticket holder, said: “I’ve never been to Dubai but can see why so many people love the place – it seems to have everything. I’m really looking forward to soaking up the sun and just relaxing for seven days.

“I hate using paper tickets for anything and don’t like queuing so a Smartcard is perfect for me. It’s really easy to use and every month I just log in online to renew my Season Ticket.”

Cathy Craig, the ScotRail Alliance’s commercial director, said: “We launched the Smartcard Benefits scheme and this prize draw as we wanted to reward our most loyal customers, our season ticket holders, and raise awareness of the advantages of using a ScotRail Smartcard.

“Thanks to Barrhead Travel, who are a key partner in our Smartcard Benefits scheme, we’re able to send one lucky winner on the holiday of a lifetime.

“We hope Aidan has a tremendous time on this wonderful holiday and enjoys every minute of it.”

Smart ticketing technology is available across the ScotRail Alliance’s network with every route enabled for Single, Return and Season Tickets. Other products coming soon include the popular Flexipass.

Tickets for other travel providers – such as Glasgow Subway – can also be uploaded onto Smartcards, with bus companies and ferry operators scheduled to start providing integrated travel options soon.

With the support of leading brand partners, Smartcard holders who have registered through their MyScotRail account, can claim rewards from discounts on coffee and travel, to car hire and clothing.

Pictured above: ScotRail Alliance commercial director Cathy Craig and competition winner Aidan Johnston (both centre) in Glasgow Queen Street station, with ScotRail Alliance representatives.