ScotRail bosses say snowsports equipment can still be taken on trains
ScotRail has stressed that there has been no change in policy and the carriage of snowsports equipment and other longer items is still permitted on their trains.
It follows concerns expressed by Strathspey MSP Fergus Ewing and some sections of the ski and sbowboarding communities earlier this week that there was now a ban on items longer than one metres being transported on the operator's services.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, told the Strathy: “ScotRail is committed to supporting tourism and rural economies across the country.
“Our Highland Explorer carriages, which operate on the West Highland Line, are testament to this.
"These carriages are specifically designed to carry skis, cycles, and other large items of luggage.
“On our other routes, and in line with National Rail policy, we ask customers to keep luggage to a maximum of one metre in dimension, though larger items can be brought on board if needed.”
Mr Ewing had labelled any ban as an 'absurd piece of pettifogging bureaucracy'.
He feared 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.
Related item:
Concerns snowsports equipment could be banned from ScotRail trains
The Strathy had sought clarification earlier this week from ScotRail – owned by the Scottish Government since last April – but did not receive an official response until today.
Mr Ewing is being contacted for comment.
More details on ScotRail's conditions of carriage can be found here and are also covered by National Rail (which applies to all UK train companies) luggage conditions.
