ScotRail is to launch a Sunday train service for day trippers to Oban from Edinburgh, Linlithgow and Polmont over six weeks this summer.
The service has been welcomed by VisitScotland.
It will start on Sunday 25 July and run each Sunday until 29 August inclusive.
The service is timed to give passengers five hours in the West Highland town and designed to appeal to people in Edinburgh and West Lothian who would love a day out in Oban – without taking the car.
The train will leave Edinburgh Waverley at 0810 and arrive back in the capital at 2107.
Graeme Macfarlan, marketing manager at ScotRail said that the move was in direct response to listening to customers – as well as people opting to holiday in the UK due to ongoing uncertainty regarding air travel.
He added: “Many customers in the East of Scotland have told us they would love to experience the West Highland Line for a day out but would prefer not to change trains – and sometimes stations – at Glasgow.
“This new, direct service changes all that and should boost tourism. And we’ll be offering cream teas on the scenic route, which really is the icing on the cake of a special day out!”
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland’s Regional Director in Argyll said: “We’ve just launched a £250,000 campaign specifically encouraging Scots to take holidays in their own country, so expanding train services to accommodate the needs of the day trip market fits very well with this. There are lots of things to do within walking distance of Oban station for families and individuals alike, not least taking in the panoramic views from McCaig’s Folly, the open air platform on top of the hill behind Oban.”
‘Kids Go Free’ now online
In a separate move, ScotRail has improved its Kids Go Free ticket offer by making it available to purchase online. With Kids Go Free, up to two children aged between five and 15 can travel free with each adult who buys a Kids Go Free ticket. Terms and conditions apply. More info: http://www.scotrail.co.uk/content/kids-go-free.html
Notes to Editor:
The Oban departures are from Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, Linlithgow and Polmont only.
The fare will be £30 return or £20 single. Children go half price.
Tickets are available ONLY by telephoning ScotRail Telesales on 08457 55 00 33. Seating will be on a first come first served basis. No other ticket offers or discount card can be used in conjunction with this ticket.
Click HERE to find the cheapest ticket for your next UK train journey.
