SCOTRAIL train services in and out of Ayrshire look like they may no go ahead after planned strike action was suspended.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union were due to strike this Saturday, Monday and Wednesday (November 5,7 and 9) leading to ScotRail confirming no trains would be operating in Ayrshire on those days.

While the strike action did not directly involve ScotRail staff, the dispute between Network Rail and the RMT meant the service operator could not function at full capacity.

Though with the union now suspending the strikes, it seems likely that a full ScotRail service can now be provided on each of the strike days - though they have not yet confirmed this themselves.

Regarding the strikes, and RMT spokesperson said these have been suspended after "securing intensive negotiations with rail bosses".

This suspension, however, does not mean an immediate end to strike action, which may still be carried out at a later date, with a re-ballot of members due, with results expected of this on November 15,

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch added: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions. 

“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next 6 months to secure a deal, we will.”