TRAIN service reductions, ticket office closures and job losses could have a devastating impact on Scotland’s railways, rail union leaders have warned after a privateer’s internal report called for cutbacks.

A report circulated for ScotRail operators Abellio, and shared by the RMT union, backed significant cost-cutting that would lead to fewer journeys and put workers at risk of redundancy. 

The research, carried out by Professor Iain Docherty, a former non-executive director of ScotRail and Transport Scotland, questions whether “the provision of ticket offices is viable in the future,” with up to 140 such offices potentially at risk from any attack. 

Prof Docherty’s report also advocates service cuts, predicts a workforce reduction and talks of a “unique platform” to “reduce staff costs quickly.”

The proposals would mean the loss of more than 85,000 train services a year and more than 1,000 jobs.

RMT said it was clear that the report had been commissioned to legitimise damaging cuts to Scotland’s rail network, describing it as a kick in the teeth for workers. 

General secretary Mick Lynch said: “On the one hand, the report rightly acknowledges that Scotland’s rail network has a central role to play in meeting climate change targets.

“With COP26 taking place in Scotland in November and ScotRail coming into public ownership in eight months’ time, we need an alternative future for Scotland’s railway which values passengers and staff and invests in creating a sustainable, affordable and accessible rail network.”

The union called on the Scottish government to clarify its role in the report. 

Mr Lynch said: “The Abellio ScotRail franchise continues to be fully funded and managed by the Scottish government and RMT is demanding to know if the Scottish government had a role in the commissioning of this report.”

Denying the allegations, a ScotRail spokesman said the report had been shared with trade unions and called for groups to work together to ensure a sustainable recovery.

“Railway jobs are being put at risk by the reckless actions of the RMT and we are urging union bosses to call off divisive strikes and false narratives,” he said.

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said that government permission was not required and that officials had not held any discussions with Prof Docherty in relation to his report, with plans continuing to bring the railways under public control.