Scotland Rail Upgrades to Affect Holiday Travel
Passengers travelling across Scotland during the 2025-26 festive period are advised to prepare in advance, as key railway routes will undergo essential maintenance. Travelers using services around Glasgow, the West Coast Main Line, and Motherwell might encounter short-term disruptions, including substitute bus services and modified timetables. Anyone planning to visit winter attractions or undertake long-distance journeys should check schedules carefully to avoid delays over the busy holiday season.
Network Rail has scheduled major projects during the festive period. Passengers should be aware of the following:
- Glasgow, Bowling, and Motherwell (24 December - 2 January): Bus replacements and revised timetables on affected routes.
- Replacement of 1960s bridge over the M6 motorway (31 December - 15 January): Disruptions on long-distance services between Preston and Carlisle.
- Junction replacement at Hanslope (25 December - 5 January): Temporary closures on the Milton Keynes to Rugby section.
Travelers are encouraged to check their journeys before setting out. The work has been planned for quieter times to minimise disruption while improving safety, reliability, and efficiency across the rail network.
“We know Christmas is a special and busy time for many people, and we want to help everyone travel with confidence over the festive period. If you’re planning a journey, please check your travel plans in advance and allow a little extra time."
One key project involves installing a new railway bridge at Bowling in West Dunbartonshire, affecting trains between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh Central and between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich. This will make visiting winter attractions more difficult, including the Loch Lomond Shores trail, Balloch Castle grounds, and the forested paths of the West Highland Way. Track upgrades in the Motherwell area will also impact access to Strathclyde Country Park’s winter trails, the festive lights at Bothwell Castle, and outdoor walking routes around Dalzell Estate.
Long-distance West Coast Main Line services will also be disrupted. Replacement of a 1960s bridge over the M6 motorway will affect access to winter walks along Hadrian’s Wall, riverside paths in the Carlisle Lake District, and the Solway Coast. A junction replacement at Hanslope will limit travel to the winter gardens at Silverstone Circuit, Cosgrove Country Park, and Milton Keynes’ outdoor seasonal trails. Passengers are advised to carefully plan their journeys and consider alternative transport where possible.
Those travelling should allow extra time and check schedules to prevent unexpected disruptions. While temporary service interruptions are expected, the upgrades will enhance long-term safety, reliability, and travel confidence. By completing essential maintenance over the festive period, Network Rail ensures that passengers can travel on a safer and more reliable railway, enabling them to reach winter destinations and their usual routes smoothly while minimising the chance of delays or other disruptions in future seasons.
