INVERCLYDE'S MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed a breakthrough in the pay rise row between ScotRail and train drivers which has decimated local services.

The ASLEF union, which represents the drivers, will take a new five per cent hike offer to its members after fresh talks, and the operator has also proposed improved pay for rest day working, plus Sunday working allowances.

Mr McMillan said: “When it was announced that a temporary rail timetable was being introduced due to driver shortages, I wrote to ScotRail and the transport minister to highlight the impact upon my constituents.

“A workable reduced timetable was of course preferable to ad-hoc cancellations, but the drastic cut to services locally – particularly on the Wemyss Bay line – was a huge concern.

"Now that Scotland’s rail services are under public ownership, I look forward to engaging with the Scottish Government on rail improvements for the area.”