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.”

Vittoria Group are delighted to announce an exclusive new partnership with Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Hibernian Football Club for the 2017/18 SPFL Football season.

The Italian restaurant group based in Edinburgh have confirmed a sponsorship deal with two of Edinburgh’s biggest football clubs for the up-coming season.
One of the Scotland’s most successful restaurant brands, Vittoria Group will have the opportunity to engage with both Hearts and Hibernian football club fans via an exciting new consumer campaign that will include promotion, giveaways, digital and social media activations, as well as consumer events in their restaurants throughout the season.

As a partner of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Hibernian Football Club, Vittoria Group who own multi award winning restaurants Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, La Favorita, La Favorita Delivered, Taste of Italy and Divino will have access to one of the most passionate and highly engaged base of football fans in Edinburgh.

Tony Crolla, Chairman of Vittoria Group, “I am very pleased that Vittoria Group can support two of Edinburgh’s SPFL football clubs for the 2017/18 season, particularly at a time when both Hearts and Hibernian have so much to look forward to – on and off the pitch. As a valued partner, our restaurant group are delighted to offer all season ticket holders at Hibernian and Hearts discount at any time while dining at Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge and the home of Edinburgh’s original log-fired pizza at La Favorita on Leith Walk”.

A spokesperson for Hearts said, “The club are really forward to working with Vittoria Group throughout the season. They are one of the biggest restaurant groups in the city and we are delighted that our fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a special rate when they dine at one of Vittoria’s outlets.”

Laura Montgomery, Head of Sales and Sponsorship for Hibernian FC said, “We are delighted to partner with the Vittoria Group for the season ahead. They have excellent restaurants right in the heart of the City and it is fantastic news that our supporters will be able to directly benefit from the partnership with a special discount when dining. It is an exciting time for the club as we return to the Premiership and this is further great news for both the club and our fans.”

Mr Crolla continued to say, “We are passionate about our customers and recognise that many of our loyal diners attend football games week after week in Edinburgh. We are looking forward to getting behind both teams and hope that fans will continue to join us pre and post match and discover the delicious authentic Italian food that Vittoria group have become so well known for in the city.”

Season Ticket Holder Rewards and Terms & Conditions:
1. 20% off food bill only
2. All bookings are subject to availability and change
3. Bookings cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and only on the A La Carte menu
4. Bookings can be used for the SPL season of 2017/18 & subject to change of terms
5. Season tickets must be shown on arrival to the restaurant
6. Bookings can be made for a maximum 12 people only using 1 season ticket