TRADE unions have argued that ScotRail’s dire financial situation “underscores the pressing need for Scotland’s railways to be in public hands” as Unite members prepare for industrial action following the breakdown of pay talks. 

TSSA said today that the pre-tax loss of nearly £65 million experienced by ScotRail last year showed the need to nationalise Scotland’s rail infrastructure. 

Abellio, which currently holds the franchise, blamed its poor financial performance on the pandemic. The Dutch firm’s tenure is due to finish at the end of next March, when Scotland’s train services will be taken over by a public-sector body.