ScotRail is adding extra carriages to trains as it prepares for another big weekend of sport at Ayr Racecourse.

The Coral Grand National Festival is being held at Ayr Racecourse on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 with the big race taking place on Saturday at 4.05pm.

St Mirren also host Greenock Morton in the Renfrewshire Derby at the Paisley 2021 Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.

ScotRail will be adding extra carriages to trains throughout the day between Glasgow Central and Ayr to help racegoers travel to and from the track. 

Greenock Morton supporters heading to Saturday’s Renfrewshire Derby will benefit from extra carriages on trains between Gourock and Glasgow Central before the game, though ScotRail is reminding Morton fans that trains will be very busy.

To help ensure customers arrive at the events on time, extra time should be allowed for travel and for purchasing tickets in advance. Queuing systems will also be in place at Glasgow Central before the races and at Ayr station on Saturday evening.

ScotRail will have extra staff on the ground to assist customers and, as with most major events, alcohol bans will be in place.

ScotRail Alliance Head of Customer Experience Graham Heald said: “We’re really looking forward to another big weekend of sport with the Scottish Grand National and Renfrewshire Derby on Saturday.

“To help fans get to the events, we’ll be adding extra carriages, although trains are expected to be very busy.

“Make sure to check your train times on our website or app and leave plenty of time for travel. Buying tickets in advance will also help reduce your queuing time.”