ScotRail is adding more seats to services this weekend as horse racing fans flock to the Ayrshire coast for the Ayr Gold Cup. 

The Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival runs from Thursday 21, until Saturday, September 23, with the big race itself on Saturday. 

To help the event run smoothly, ScotRail is adding extra carriages throughout the day on Saturday, September 23, between Glasgow Central and Ayr. 

Customers are advised that trains to and from Ayr will be busier than normal over all three days of the festival, and those planning to attend are encouraged to leave extra time for travel. 

A queuing system will be in place at Glasgow Central before the event and at Ayr when the racing ends. 

To reduce the need to queue, customers should buy their return tickets to Ayr in advance via the mTicket system on the ScotRail app. 

Read More: Miss Scotland finalist from Ayr says competition is 'an amazing opportunity'

The train operator is also reminding everyone that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in ScotRail stations. 

Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, said:  “ScotRail is looking forward to, once again, helping racegoers travel to see the latest renewal of Scotland’s most famous flat race. 

“To help make the festival a success, we’ll be laying on extra carriages on trains to and from Ayr throughout the day on Saturday. 

“Trains will be much busier than usual, so we encourage people to plan their journey in advance and make sure they have their return ticket to Ayr before boarding.”