West Fifers will benefit from an extra late night train over the Edinburgh International Festival.

On Fridays from Edinburgh to Glenrothes via Dunfermline, a train will depart Waverley at 23.59.

ScotRail say they will provide over 3,700 carriages throughout the event, which runs from Friday, August 2 until Sunday, August 25 - an increase of 20 per cent compared to 2018.

However, services are still expected to be extremely busy and customers are encouraged to plan their travel in advance and leave extra time for their journeys.

Average footfall to and from the capital city more than doubles at weekends during the Fringe.

Festival-goers can plan their journey and buy tickets using the ScotRail app or by visiting www.scotrail.co.uk/edfest

ScotRail Chief Operating Officer Angus Thom said:“We’re delighted to be helping people get to and from the Edinburgh International Festival, one of the great highlights of the Scottish cultural calendar.

“This year, we’re thrilled to be able to provide more seats than ever before. With eight-carriage trains, extra late-night trains, and brand-new trains, every available carriage will be used to get people to and from Edinburgh - it’s all been made possible by the unprecedented investment in Scotland’s Railway over the last few years.

“However, trains will still be very busy. We’re encouraging everyone visiting the capital to plan their journey in advance by using our app or the ScotRail website, and to buy a ticket before they board.”

Transport Scotland Director of Rail Bill Reeve said: “The Scottish Government wants visitors to Edinburgh’s great Festival to travel sustainably and in comfort.

“Our rolling programme of railway investment in services and infrastructure, including electrification, new trains and extended station platforms means there has never been a better time to visit the Edinburgh Festival by rail. 

“By improving the passenger experience, we are encouraging more people to enjoy the best of Scotland, and to do so by train – the greener choice.”