A MUSSELBURGH resident has complained that a "vital" commuter service to Edinburgh has left passengers stranded at least three times in the last eight days.

Jason Rose said that the 8.18am train from Musselburgh to the city had been affected.

He said that on Tuesday, May 23, there were not enough carriages, and on Thursday, May 25, the train was cancelled, and then on Tuesday, May 30, it was half the usual size.

He claimed: "People are missing work meetings, job interviews, health appointments, every time this happens. It also appears doubtful that it would be safe given the way some cram themselves on in desperation."

ScotRail said that the service had operated with three carriages on May 23 and 30 due to units requiring maintenance. The service, they added, was cancelled on May 25 due to a trespasser on the railway in the Wallyford area.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail head of customer operations, said: "We’re really sorry to customers for the disruption to services over the past week.

"We know that one of the biggest concerns is busy trains and we’re working hard to deliver the level of service our customers expect."

Overcrowded morning trains on the North Berwick-Edinburgh line were a frequent problem prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ MORE: Dozens of commuters left stranded at Musselburgh by overcrowded train

On a number of occasions, trains were so busy that commuters at Musselburgh were unable to board.