SCRAPPING peak-time rail fares on ScotRail trains for six months – including over the festive period – has been welcomed.

First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP announced the timescale for the pilot programme, which will begin in October.

It is hoped that the move will make travelling across the country both more affordable and accessible.

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, welcomed the move and said: “People in East Lothian will benefit directly from these significant price cuts to peak rail fares, which couldn’t have come at a more needed time.

“East Lothian’s rural communities rely heavily on our train services, so slashing peak-time ticket costs will make a massive difference in connecting East Lothian to the rest of the country.”