Britain’s railways carry stories as much as people, and in Scotland, that story is often told by ScotRail. As the backbone of the country’s public transport, ScotRail connects towns, cities, and remote communities, keeping Scotland moving – even as the winds of challenge have made headlines in the summer of 2025.
Storm Floris and Service Disruption: A Stress Test for Resilience
August 2025 began with what meteorologists called an “unprecedented summer storm.” Storm Floris swept across Scotland with gusts reaching up to 90mph in exposed areas, catching both the public and ScotRail’s operations off-guard. The Met Office issued amber weather warnings, and the response from Scotland’s Railway was swift but unavoidable: early closure of major rail lines from noon on Monday, affecting critical routes such as the West Highland Line, all northern lines from Perth, and the vital arteries north of Edinburgh. For those depending on these connections, Monday travel plans were quickly revised and the ripple effect touched nearly every part of ScotRail’s network. Trains across the country slowed to 50mph for safety, and key services were reduced to hourly, or in many cases, cancelled outright.
Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland’s route director, addressed the disruption with a focus on safety, stating that the priority was “the safety of our passengers and colleagues.” Mark Ilderton, ScotRail’s Service Delivery Director, echoed these sentiments, recognising the frustration for customers but emphasising the necessity of these measures in such extreme conditions. Passengers were advised to “check before you travel” for the latest updates, and compensation was offered for those left stranded by delays or cancellations.
Storm Floris was not just about delays, but a stress test of the railways’ ability to adapt, repair, and reassure passengers while maintaining high standards amidst climate unpredictability.
Passenger Numbers: Recovery Continues Post-Pandemic
Despite bouts of severe weather, Scotland’s rail network has seen positive trends in passenger usage. Figures from the Office of Rail and Road show that in the year April 2024 to March 2025, there were 1.73 billion journeys across Great Britain – a 7% increase on the previous year, almost matching pre-pandemic figures. Revenue rose to £11.5 billion, reflecting an 8% jump after accounting for inflation. Passenger journeys in the regional sector, which includes much of Scotland, also saw notable growth.
This rebound has been fuelled by a steady return to commuting and leisure travel as COVID-19 receded and by ScotRail’s ongoing investment in improving services. Across the UK, the network’s comeback is a testament to rail’s resilience and its enduring role in daily life.
Passenger Experiences: Reliability and Trust in Focus
Passenger sentiment around rail travel in Scotland has been a mixed picture in 2025. On one hand, national statistics show journey numbers climbing steadily back to near pre-pandemic levels. Commuters have welcomed the government’s ongoing support on season ticket discounts and flexible travel products, designed with hybrid working in mind.
Yet, service disruptions—whether weather-related or stemming from ongoing engineering works and industrial action—have kept public scrutiny high. The Office of Rail and Road notes that punctuality and reliability are returning to target levels, but persistent issues on some routes have drawn criticism. In response, ScotRail has stepped up recruitment of train drivers and onboard staff, addressing the shortages that fuelled past cancellations. Maintenance investments have also targeted lingering reliability issues, particularly on newer electric fleets serving the Edinburgh-Glasgow corridor.
Regional Impacts: Keeping Rural Scotland Connected
ScotRail’s challenge remains balancing urban demand with rural needs. For towns in the Highlands and islands, the railway is often a social and economic lifeline—vital for access to education, healthcare, and tourism. When severe weather hits, the entire region can feel the isolation acutely.
Recently, community leaders have called for further investment in rural services and better contingency plans for seasonal storms. ScotRail has responded with a renewed commitment to equity, promising to deploy mobile teams and infrastructure improvements where they are needed most. It’s an ongoing balancing act, but one that will shape the future of inclusive public transport in Scotland.
Sustainability and the Environment: Green Rail for a Greener Scotland
Another critical priority for ScotRail is sustainability. With the Scottish Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045, rail must play a leading role in the transition away from road and air travel. ScotRail has added more electric services, boosted recycling at stations, and joined initiatives supporting biodiversity along railway corridors.
The operator’s recent performance and reliability transparency reports detail energy use, waste reduction, and the gradual switch to electric and hydrogen-powered trains. Official statements suggest that by 2035, electric trains will cover almost all mainline routes between the Central Belt and the north.
ScotRail in a Changing UK Rail Landscape
ScotRail operates within a wider UK context of rail reform. After returning to public ownership in 2022, the operator has been closely watched as a template for joined-up, publicly accountable rail. The Scottish Government is pressing forward with reforms on ticketing, integration with buses and ferries, and investment in digital ticketing and real-time information systems.
New partnerships with suppliers have sought to strengthen anti-modern slavery pledges across the supply chain, aiming to assure the public that ethical practices underpin Scotland’s rail revival.
Price Increases and Flexibility: The Cost-of-Living Squeeze
Cost remains a headline issue. From 1 April 2025, ScotRail fares rose by 3.8%. This increase comes as families across the UK continue to feel the pinch of rising living costs, raising questions about affordability and value for money. The Scottish Government has responded by extending the 20% discount on season tickets until September 2025 and expanding the Flexipass scheme, allowing more flexibility for passengers who travel less regularly but still want the savings of a pass. Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, acknowledged the “unwelcome” nature of any fare rise, citing the need to balance affordability with the long-term sustainability of Scotland’s rail services.
Operational Improvements: Investment in the Future
Behind the scenes, ScotRail has embarked on an £18 million improvement plan, targeting service reliability and customer experience. Chronic staff shortages, cancellations, and late-running services had drawn government attention, resulting in a direct intervention and the formation of a performance improvement fund. The plan includes leasing additional trains, recruiting more drivers and conductors, and investing in the maintenance of its Hitachi electric trains. Alex Hynes, Managing Director of the ScotRail Alliance, emphasised that “improving the service our customers receive is the priority,” making clear that the operator is committed to regaining and maintaining public trust.
Transparency and Social Responsibility
In recent years, ScotRail has also bolstered its transparency, regularly publishing updates on performance and reliability, and outlining strict policies to prevent workplace abuses. ScotRail’s latest Modern Slavery Act statement reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to trafficking and forced labour, emphasising ethical values in both its own operations and those of suppliers.
What the Future Holds
Looking to the months ahead, investment in staff, technology, and infrastructure will be crucial. Nevertheless, public confidence in rail as a safe, reliable, and value-for-money option is integral to meeting the government’s sustainability targets and Scotland’s broader social and economic ambitions.
If one lesson stands out from this summer, it’s that resilience, adaptability, and open communication are now prerequisites for running a modern railway. ScotRail’s immediate responses to weather emergencies and investment in long-term improvements set a standard for public expectations.
Read more; Enzo Millot
