Concerns snowsports equipment could be banned from ScotRail trains

There are claims that ScotRail is no longer allowing passengers to carry any item longer than one metre on their train services.

The move has been described as an 'absurd piece of pettifogging bureaucracy' by Strathspey MSP Fergus Ewing.

He fears that it will have a major knock-on effect for the carriage of snowsports equipment for those heading to the Cairngorms by rail and for locals usually taking the train to airports for overseas ski holidays.

The Strathy has sought clarification from ScotRail – owned by the Scottish Government since last April – but did not receive a response before deadline.

Mr Ewing said: "This is an absurd piece of pettifogging bureaucracy imposed without a thought to the impact – or even the existence of the ski sector and skiers.

"Surely a few sets of skis don’t pose an insuperable problem for ScotRail

"I’m asking their CEO to rescind this rule forthwith. I’m asking the Transport Minister to knock heads together too

"Unfortunately the only thing that may make them react quickly is adverse publicity so I’m grateful for the Strathy, as ever, for enabling this to receive the oxygen of publicity."

Others who have used the train in the past for ski trips have said it makes a mockery of green travel.

Boat of Garten resident David Macintyre said he was nearly caught out whilst travelling from Aviemore to Glasgow with his snowboard gear this past week.

He said: "I always try to use public transport wherever possible for environmental and sustainability reasons – something I believe the Scottish Government supports.

"Not long into the journey I was approached by the guard who asked if it was my bag. I had stowed it in the area used for bike storage as there was nowhere else to put it.

"He then informed me that I shouldn't have brought it on the train as bags that size aren't allowed on ScotRail trains and he would be within his rights to ask me to leave the train with my bag.

"I was quite shocked as I've travelled with that same bag and other ski bags several times over the years without a problem."

Mr Macintyre continued: "As Aviemore is arguably Scotland's premier winter sports destination it seemed incredible that winter sports enthusiasts would not be able to travel here by rail."

As for his return, he said: "The guard said it was likely I wouldn't be allowed to board and if it was one of the 'new' trains I would have 'no chance' of taking my snowboard bag on as, apparently, they have even less space."

Mr Macintrye was allowed this time to remain on the train which was 'half empty' but whilst being in Chamonix in the French Alps has booked a bus journey for his return to the strath from Glasgow.

Scotrail's website states in its conditions of travel there is a charge of half the adult fare for tickets – up to a maximum of £5 single and £10 return – for each article exceeding one metre in any dimension.

But Mr Macintyre points out: "There is no facility to do this when booking tickets and presumably if there physically isn't space this wouldn't be an option."

He said that ScotRail could learn a lot from rail travel in the Alps: "The trains have adaptive storage that can accommodate bikes and skis very easily. It would be great if the same could be said of Scotland's public transport."

Susan Smith, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd said on the concerns: "I would say that this is very disappointing and we should encourage a rethink on this matter."

The Strathy asked ScotRail on Tuesday afternoon if there had been a change in policy for carriage of more lengthy items including snowsports kit but has yet to receive an official response.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.