SCOTLAND'S train operator is celebrating ‘decades of progress and transformation’ today as it marks its 40th birthday - and Inverclyde featured prominently in that history.

ScotRail was launched on September 22, 1983 as part of an initiative to make rail travel more competitive with cars and buses.

It has been serving routes in Inverclyde and across the country since, with trains now calling at 359 stations throughout Scotland.

Over the past 40 years, a total of 81 new or reopened stations have been added to the network – including Whinhill and Drumfrochar on the Wemyss Bay line, which opened in 1990 and 1998, respectively.

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Central during the tall ships race in 1999Greenock Central during the tall ships race in 1999 (Image: George Munro)

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail chief operating officer, said: “The past 40 years have been remarkable, with the introduction of new stations, new trains, reopening of disused railway lines, and the modernisation of the services available to customers.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway for our customers."

While much has changed on the railways since ScotRail's inception, the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station say certain things have remained the same.

The group shared photographs of the station from 1985, showing the building's exterior and walkway from the platforms to the pier.

Greenock Telegraph: Wemyss Bay Station in 1985Wemyss Bay Station in 1985 (Image: Friends of Wemyss Bay Station)

Greenock Telegraph: The walkway to Wemyss Bay pierThe walkway to Wemyss Bay pier (Image: Friends of Wemyss Bay Station)

The Friends said: "Happy 40th birthday ScotRail.

"Here's a couple of photos from around that time. Hasn't changed dramatically has it?"