ScotRail is running extra carriages as well as later services during the Edinburgh Fringe, however there will likely be significant disruption towards the end of next week.
This is because of ongoing RMT strike action, which has been taking place since June. Revellers planning to make the trip up from England may also find it difficult to reach the festival as ASLEF are going ahead with strikes down south this week.
On top of current disruption, the RMT rejected an offer from ScotRail just last week, meaning Scotland could be in for more travel disruption. This may leave Scots wondering when and how disruption could impact them over the next few weeks, as well as other potential disruptions moving forward.
When will strikes take place?
Strikes from the RMT will take place on the 18th and 20th of August, that is Thursday and Saturday next week. During this time Scotland will likely be reduced to just five services running across the central belt, as has been the case in the recent rounds of RMT strike action.
The planned strike action on Thursday, 18 and Saturday, 20 August will not involve ScotRail staff, however it have an impact on ScotRail services due to Network Rail Scotland workers walking out.
David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "Festivalgoers should be aware of the potential of significant disruption during the festivals due to planned strike action by Network Rail members of the RMT trade union.
"We’ll let customers know our plans and travel advice in the coming weeks, should this planned strike action go ahead."
Revellers travelling up from England may have to find alternatives to rail travel as ASLEF, the drivers' union, are set to strike this Saturday, August 13.
Will there be more strikes after the Fringe?
There may be more disruption following the Fringe festival with the RMT threatening to go ahead with a ScotRail walk out. So far RMT strikes have not included ScotRail workers, but Scottish services have been impacted as safety-critical Network Rail Scotland signallers and maintenance teams took part in the strikes.
Now, however, the RMT has rejected a pay increase of five percent as well as a revenue sharing programme for ticket examiners, conductors and station staff. The union says that they are hoping to go into urgent talks with ScotRail
Last week, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Our members have spoken and ScotRail will have to come up with an improved package. We will now seek an urgent meeting with the company.
"If no improved offer is forthcoming then we will ballot our ScotRail members for strike action."
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