SCOTRAIL has confirmed that trains between Ayr and Glasgow will resume next week following the completion of safety works at the fire-damaged former Ayr Station Hotel. 

The rail operator's direct electric services between Ayr and Glasgow were suspended as soon as the devastating blaze at the building broke out on September 25 last year.

Trains between Ayr and Prestwick were replaced by buses until December, when a shuttle train service using one of the station's four platforms, was put in place, though that was withdrawn at the beginning of June as Network Rail stepped up work on getting the railway lines ready for operation again.

Network Rail and ScotRail have now confirmed that trains between Ayr and Glasgow will resume on Monday, June 17,the same day as South Ayrshire Council finishes its work on the privately-owned former hotel building. 

Network Rail engineers are already removing debris and repairing the tracks in preparation for the return of trains. 

However, a full timetable, with the return of services between Kilmarnock, Ayr, Girvan, and Stranraer, is expected to be in operation by mid-July. 

Liam Sumpter, managing director at Network Rail, said: “Our thanks go to South Ayrshire Council for completing the critical safety work at the former Ayr Station Hotel. 

“Our teams are working hard to have the track ready and alongside our colleagues at ScotRail we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers back to the station and on to services next week. 

“We’d like to thank passengers and the Ayr community for their patience and understanding during the station closure.” 

David Lister, ScotRail safety, sustainability and asset director, said: “The devastating fire at the former Station Hotel has had a significant impact on ScotRail services in the south-west of Scotland and we have worked closely and collaboratively with South Ayrshire Council, Network Rail, and other partners during this challenging period. 

“We know how much people rely on rail services, so we’re pleased that from June 17, we’ll be able to reintroduce electric services between Ayr and Glasgow.

"We will work with Network Rail to complete all activities required to re-establish services south of Ayr due to the extended period of closure. 

“We’re grateful to customers for their patience and understanding while we work towards the full return of services later in July.”