New delay to electric trains start confirmed

Passengers will not be able to travel by electric train on the main Edinburgh-glasgow line until October, transport minister Humza Yousaf has announced.

The delay – nearly a year later than planned – confirms a Scotland on Sunday story that the project had been put back by another three months.

Mr Yousaf said the £800 million cost could rise.

The first electric services on the main route via Falkirk were originally due to have started last December, but were then postponed until July.

The latest delay is because faulty electrical equipment will have to be replaced along the 46-mile route.

The power will now be switched on in September – four months late.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne is due to appear before MSPS today.