TRAIN services in Ayrshire are set to grind to a halt again this week as the country's largest transport union stages two more 24-hour strikes.

Industrial action by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union across the UK – including Network Rail workers in Scotland ­– is expected to see the vast majority of services on the ScotRail network cancelled on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.

As with previous RMT 24-hour stoppages this summer, there will be no trains on any routes in Ayrshire on either date.

In addition, on Friday, August 19, there will be no trains on any Ayrshire routes, or anywhere else in Scotland, before 7.30am.

The walkouts are the result of a row between the RMT, Network Rail and 14 train operating companies across the country over jobs, pay and conditions.

The RMT has already rejected what it has called a "paltry" pay offer from Network Rail.

Although ScotRail is not one of the train operating companies involved in the RMT dispute, workers taking part in the walkouts are likely to include Network Rail signalling and maintenance staff in Scotland.

For full details of how this week's strike action will affect ScotRail services, click here.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, Network Rail will be unable to open any other signal boxes to operate passenger services on any other routes on the strike days.

"As there will be very limited services running, please only travel if necessary. If you have to travel, you should expect disruption and plan ahead."