Glasgow train disruption to continue into weekend

Rail disruption affecting one of Scotland's busiest train stations will continue into Saturday, Network Rail has confirmed.

The rail operator said overhead wires in the Newton area have been significantly damaged, affecting services running through Glasgow Central and Motherwell.

Among routes disrupted are Avanti West Coast trains from Glasgow to London and TransPennine Express services between Glasgow and Manchester or Liverpool.

On social media, Network Rail posted: "With significant repairs to the overhead wires needed at Newton, and engineers still inspecting other areas between Bellshill and Cambuslang, we expect this disruption here to continue until at least tomorrow morning."

Services were being moved to alternative routes, such as via Hamilton/Cathcart and via Whifflet, in a bid to limit delays.

A Network Rail spokesperson told BBC Scotland News: "Our engineers are responding to an incident near Newton where significant damage has been caused to overhead power lines.

"We're working hard to assess the damage and put plans in place to repair the railway. In the meantime we are working to divert trains around the area and urge passengers to check how their journey may be affected by the incident."

ScotRail advised passengers to make alternative arrangements for their services between Glasgow and Lanarkshire.

A spokesperson said tickets would be accepted for other transport.

They stated: "Ticket acceptance remains in place with Whitelaws buses, between Larkhall and Motherwell via Hamilton, and on the McGills number three service.

"We have secured a limited number of bus replacements, which we are also using to help keep passengers moving.

"Due to very limited replacement road transport being secured, passengers are advised to consider making their own arrangements."