A “well developed” transport plan is in place to deal with disruption caused by rail strikes taking place around major events like T in the Park and The Open, Humza Yousaf has said.
The Transport Minister chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience committee ahead of the latest planned strikes this weekend and next in an ongoing dispute between ScotRail and the RMT union over driver-only trains.
A 48-hour strike on Sunday and Monday and over the weekend of July 16 and 17 will affect passengers travelling to music festival T in the Park in Perthshire, the Scottish Open near Inverness and The Open at Troon.
Several days of industrial action have already been held and the conciliation service Acas has been involved in trying to resolve the dispute, but it remains deadlocked.
The union said it is defending its policy of no extension of driver-only trains and for guards to be in control of operating doors.
ScotRail said there will be no job losses or pay cuts with its proposed changes.
Mr Yousaf said: “It is disappointing to see these strikes continue to affect commuters who simply want to go about their everyday lives without any further rail disruption. I would once again urge both parties to come together, get back round the table and resolve this dispute.
“This latest round of RMT strikes coincide with some of Scotland’s major summer events, most notably T in the Park, The Scottish Open and The Open. However, transport planning for these events is well developed with information available to let people plan their journeys in advance.
“Transport Scotland is liaising with the organisers to ensure that the public is being kept fully informed and the transport resilience team is active at the National Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry.
“I would recommend anyone travelling to T in the Park, The Scottish Open or any other event this weekend checks their travel plans in both directions to make sure services are available. Travel operators’ websites and Twitter feeds, Travel Line and Traffic Scotland will have up to date information to help plan journeys.
“Those planning their travel to The Open next week should be aware that ScotRail are running an enhanced service, however they are encouraged to check their website which will carry bespoke timetables.”
