Football fans from across the Highlands are being urged to plan ahead as ScotRail boosts services for the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park.
Aberdeen take on Celtic on Saturday 24 May, and the national rail operator is stepping up for the occasion with extra carriages and services before and after the big match.
Those making the journey south from Aberdeen will see more seats added to trains heading for Glasgow, giving Dons supporters the chance to travel down in comfort and in good spirits.
Key routes into Glasgow will benefit too, with additional capacity on services linking the city centre with Mount Florida and Kings Park – the two stations closest to Hampden.
If you’re heading to the match, best to know the drill.
Aberdeen fans should join the queue at Hope Street’s carriage drive entrance for trains to Mount Florida, while Celtic supporters will need to use the main concourse at Glasgow Central for services to Kings Park.
After the final whistle, it’ll be more of the same, with queuing systems in place at both Mount Florida and Kings Park to help everyone get home smoothly and safely.
And it’s not just the homeward stretch where queues might appear.
Travellers leaving from Aberdeen in the morning should be ready for possible queuing at the station, while Queen Street in Glasgow might be busy after the game wraps up.
To take the stress out of the day, fans are being encouraged to buy their return tickets in advance using the ScotRail app.
ScotRail will also have extra staff on hand to keep things moving and answer any questions along the way.
It’s worth remembering too that alcohol is not allowed on any ScotRail trains or in their stations, so the celebrations will need to wait until you’re back on home turf.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s Customer Operations Director, said the team is ready to welcome fans for what promises to be a thrilling final.
“We’re looking forward to helping supporters travel to Hampden for what’s set to be an exciting Scottish Cup Final,” he said.
“With more seats and additional services, we’re doing all we can to make the day run smoothly.
“We just ask everyone to plan ahead, give themselves plenty of time, and book tickets in advance to help avoid queues.
“And please remember, there’s a strict no-alcohol policy on board.”
With the final set to kick off at 3pm and the eyes of the country on Hampden, it’s all aboard for one of the biggest days in the Scottish football calendar.
