Supporters travelling to next weekend’s Betfred Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park are being advised to plan their journeys in advance.

The ScotRail Alliance confirmed that extra carriages will be added to trains between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida / Kings Park to help fans get to and from the stadium, however trains will be busier than normal.

Celtic meet Hibernian for the second time in a month in the 12.15pm kick-off on Saturday 21 October, while Rangers face Motherwell on Sunday 22 October at 2:30pm.

Customers heading to the games are advised to allow additional time for travel, as queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Central prior to kick off, and at Mount Florida / Kings Park after the final whistle.

Extra staff will be on hand to assist customers and, as with most large events, alcohol bans will be in place.

Hibs fans are reminded trains to Glasgow leave Edinburgh via Bathgate and via Shotts as well as on the Edinburgh to Glasgow mainline, which will be much busier than normal.

On Sunday, Motherwell supporters are encouraged to make their way to Kings Park.

John McBrinn, ScotRail Alliance Head of Customer Experience Major Stations, said:
“These are really big games for the teams involved, and we’re looking forward to once again help fans travel to the national stadium to cheer on their side.

“Trains heading to Glasgow and Mount Florida will be extremely busy, so customers should make sure they buy their tickets before they board.

“We will be doing everything we can to keep people moving hassle free, but supporters should plan their journeys in advance at scotrail.co.uk or on the ScotRail app.”

ScotRail has confirmed it is adding extra carriages to key trains to help Aberdeen fans get to the Aberdeen V Celtic Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on 21 May.

Extra carriages will be added on what are predicted to be eight of the busiest services between Aberdeen and Glasgow. To avoid disappointment, the ScotRail Alliance is advising customers to book ahead and reserve seats for their journeys now, as queueing systems will be in operation and only fans with train reservations will be guaranteed boarding.

Those wishing to avoid the crowds may want to travel on the 0526 and 0634 departures from Aberdeen, although these are also expected to be much busier than usual.

As with all special event trains, alcohol bans will be in place and extra staff will be at key locations across the network to assist.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “We’re doing everything we can to make sure the Dons are well represented at Hampden. Please be on the ball and get to the station early, as trains will be extremely busy.

“To help things go smoothly, please plan ahead and follow instructions from staff.”

A spokesperson for Aberdeen Football Club said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership again with ScotRail in ensuring that as many of the Red Army as possible have a choice of transport mode that can get them to and from Hampden on the 27th May to enhance what is always a special day out for all the family and one that we have not been in a position to enjoy for 17 years.”