Train passengers have been advised that services to Balloch will be affected during a programme of railway improvement works.

However, ScotRail has promised to keep its customers moving during the upgrade.

Over the coming weeks, engineers from Network Rail Scotland – ScotRail’s partner in the ScotRail Alliance – will be replacing track, and replacing and upgrading signalling equipment in Lanarkshire. 

The company says this will improve reliability for customers on some of Scotland’s busiest rail routes.

The vast majority of these works will take place at weekends, although a small amount will also take place on weekdays, and not all routes will be affected at once.

While works are taking place, services will be diverted via alternative routes, or run to different times from normal. 

In some cases, buses will replace trains for some or all of their journeys.

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead, and leave extra time for travel. 

David Dickson, the ScotRail Alliance infrastructure director, said the works were a step towards building “the best railway that Scotland has ever had”.

He added: “Our customers will benefit from the upgraded signalling system, which will increase reliability along these key routes.

“We understand how frustrating it is for people when their regular journey is disrupted, and we will be doing all we can to keep them moving.

“We are encouraging customers to leave extra time for travel, and plan journeys in advance. They can do this on our website, or by downloading our free app.”