Letter from the editor: Train passengers feel the strain

Fortunately, I’ve not been one of those who has to rely on our train service on a daily basis for a long time. However, I do remember how, when it was running smoothly and to the timetable, our inter-city service through Falkirk High was excellent.

But memories seem to be clouded by the days when things such as broken down trains and the ‘leaves on the line’ scenario would bring it all to a shuddering halt. And this almost certainly happened on a day when it was vital that you arrived on time.

Last Friday’s jaunt to Edinburgh had no such necessity for arriving on time. But that’s not to say that ScotRail’s failures were any less annoying.

We turned up for the 12.22pm to be told it was running late because of a broken down train earlier in the day.

The new arrival time kept changing until eventually after 12.30pm a train drew in and we all trooped out to the platform.

However, there was no-one onboard and it departed without taking on any passengers.

Eventually a train arrived and everyone squeezed on with few of us getting seats.

The voice on the tannoy announced additional stops at Polmont and Linlithgow and we eventually arrived at Haymarket just under 30 minutes later than planned.

An announcement apologised for the late arrival caused by a points failure. If you’re going to come up with an excuse, at least get your story straight!