ScotRail boosts capacity for International Ayr Show weekend

In anticipation of the upcoming International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight, ScotRail has announced plans to add extra carriages to trains travelling between Glasgow Central and Ayr.

The additional capacity aims to accommodate the surge in passengers expected for the festival, which runs from Friday, 8 September, to Sunday, 10 September.

The event promises an array of iconic aircraft and daring aerial displays, particularly on Saturday, 9 September. “The International Ayr Show provides a host of great family entertainment, and we’re looking forward to playing our part in making it a successful and enjoyable weekend,” said Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director.

While ScotRail is bolstering its services for the weekend, the company advises customers to plan ahead. “To help the event run smoothly, we’re adding more seats to trains to and from Ayr on Saturday and Sunday, but services will be busier than normal, so customers should plan ahead and leave plenty of time for travel,” Campbell added.

The rail operator noted that services are expected to be busier than usual, partly because the Largs Viking Festival is also taking place over the weekend.

For added convenience, Stagecoach West Scotland, in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, will operate a park-and-ride shuttle bus service between Burns Statute Square at Ayr station and Seafield Road. The shuttle will leave every 15 minutes.

Council chiefs have confirmed that the Festival of Flight will kick off with a Friday fly-over, featuring various performances, including those from the RAF Black Jack Typhoon and a pyrotechnic display by Airborne Pyrotechnics.

The main event on Super Saturday will showcase acts such as the Chinook, the Starlings Aerobatic Display Team, and Two Spitfires performing the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, culminating with a performance by the world-famous Red Arrows.

Event programmes detailing the flying times for each display will be available for purchase at the festival for £5.