SCOTRAIL has no plans to deliver later last train services out of the Capital to East Lothian during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe due to its temporary timetable currently in operation.

The train operator, which traditionally provides later weekend services from Edinburgh to all stops on the North Berwick line during August - as it did last year - will not be adding to its late-night service this year.

In a press release issued at the beginning of this month, ScotRail revealed that it would be providing later weekend services from North Berwick to Edinburgh during the seaside town’s Fringe by the Sea festival.

Between August 2 and August 11, the last train from North Berwick to Edinburgh on Monday to Saturday is at 12.01am and on Sunday at 10.20pm.

READ MORE: Fringe by the Sea 2024: More buses and trains to help people get home

However, while last year the last train from Edinburgh to North Berwick during August was at 12.10am on Friday and Saturday nights and at 11.20pm on Sundays, this year the last trains remain unchanged, at 11.14pm on Friday and Saturday nights and at 7.37pm on Sundays.

On the lack of late trains from the Festival this year, a ScotRail spokesperson said: “The temporary timetable is a result of the ongoing impact of fewer train drivers than normal currently making themselves available for overtime or rest day working, as is their contractual right, following confirmation from drivers’ union ASLEF that it will recommend to its executive committee a ballot for industrial action over pay.

“We have protected as many services as we possibly can for the North Berwick route, and have accommodated North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea because that is very popular.”