Humza Yousaf questioned

Suggestions that the head of ScotRail quit as a result of a disagreement with the Scottish Government are “crass” and “absolutely false”, MSPs have been told.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf faced questions over the departure of ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster when he appeared before Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee.

He denied there had been a disagreement over the use of the Service Quality Incentive Regime (Squire) railway improvement fund, which gives certain passengers a free week of travel as a “thank-you” following disruption on the railways.