A union boss has raised hopes that future rail strikes in Scotland could be averted as he suggested a deal in the dispute over pay could be reached "in the next week or so".
The general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) Mick Lynch offered an olive branch as his members began a 48-hour walkout over pay and conditions.
ScotRail has warned passengers to only commute if necessary as Network Rail workers hit the picket line for the second time this week. The dispute does not involve the nationalised firm but it will have a major impact on its services.
