The COP26 climate conference in Glasgow next month is supposed to lead to nations choosing a more eco-friendly path, but the arrival of thousands of delegates and world leaders will also see travel disruption on a scale not seen before and will perhaps push more people onto less sustainable modes of transport.

The perfect storm is brewing, with ScotRail workers set for strike action for the entirety of the event, which runs from October 31-November 12.

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union will walk out from midnight on Monday, November 1 until midnight on Friday, November 12.

And Caledonian Sleeper services will not run from Sunday, October 31 at midnight until Tuesday, November 2.

They will also walk out from Thursday, November 11 at midnight until Saturday, November 13.

And on top of that Stagecoach workers in the West of Scotland are very close to announcing strike action as pay talks with bosses stall.

Unite the Union confirmed the news yesterday that despite successful negotiations at other Stagecoach divisions in the country, management in the west of Scotland have not convinced workers with their current pay offer.

Unite Regional Officer, Siobhan McCready said: “There is still time for Stagecoach West management to avert strike action by coming back to the table with an improved and fair offer for our members. Stagecoach West should look around and take note from other depots in Scotland on how to avoid action by coming back with an improved offer. The ball is in their court.”

A Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Unite has called for strike action, which benefits no-one. Our pay proposals are fair to our people and were recommended by the union, with four out of six depots voting in favour of our offer, and only a very narrow overall vote against.

“We have worked constructively with Unite throughout our discussions, and our pay proposals also ensure the long-term sustainability of the bus network for local communities at a time when passenger numbers are significantly below the level needed to cover the costs of running services.”

With those transport options off the cards people are likely to take to the roads in increasing numbers, meaning more emissions, and there’s to be a series of road closures around the SEC events campus in Glasgow for COP26 for motorists to deal with too. Transport Scotland has warned of delays on the M8 as this will be the main route for delegates travelling to the summit.