DISRUPTION to trains is causing “mayhem”, according to an East Lothian politician.

Staff shortages have led to the cancellation of a number of trains connecting East Lothian and Edinburgh in recent weeks.

Last Wednesday, ScotRail introduced a temporary timetable as a result of fewer train drivers than normal being available for overtime or rest day working.

The measure was taken “to provide greater certainty and reliability for customers” but has also meant just a single ScotRail service connecting Dunbar and the Capital on a daily basis.

READ MORE: ScotRail temporary timetable: Only one daily Dunbar to Edinburgh train

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, met with ScotRail officials and stressed the impact of the disruption and cancellations on passengers.

He said: “It was helpful to meet with the ScotRail team to find out what is being done to mitigate disruption for passengers due to industrial issues. Drivers are not willing to work overtime and, due to the complexity of driver training, ScotRail users are paying the price.

“This industrial dispute is deeply concerning to rail passengers, and I would urge train drivers to return to normal working patterns while negotiations on pay and conditions continue.”

It is unclear how long the temporary timetable will remain in place.

However, rail bosses did confirm that priority would be given to large events, such as the Genesis Scottish Open and North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea, and that any available drivers would be allocated to these events.

The driver shortage comes after driver union ASLEF rejected a pay offer from ScotRail. The union, which represents almost all of ScotRail’s 1,300 drivers, has threatened to ballot for strike action.

ScotRail has been asked to comment.