TRAIN passengers in Renfrewshire are set to be hit by disruption this week due to further strike action by RMT members of Network Rail. 

The pay dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however, it will have a major impact on the train operator's ability to provide services, as the RMT planned action involves Network Rail staff in Scotland.  

For passengers, this means there will be no service in Scotland except on 12 ScotRail routes across the central belt, Fife, and Borders, between Tuesday, December 13 and Saturday, 17 December.

The limited strike timetable will run from 7.30am to 6.30pm each day during this period, including Thursday's non-strike day.

Due to the greater reliance on manual signalling outside the central belt, Network Rail is unable to facilitate passenger services on any other routes during the industrial action.

The RMT has also announced plans for strike action between Saturday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 27, as well as from Monday, January 3 to Tuesday, January 4, and from Friday, January 6 to Saturday, January 7.

David Simpson, ScotRail service delivery director, said: "It's disappointing to see that planned strike action will go ahead. This means more widespread disruption across the whole Great Britain rail network at a time when we need to be encouraging more people back to the railway. 

"For ScotRail, it's going to mean that we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services tomorrow through to, and including, Saturday.

"We know will be really frustrating for our customers, but we're advising those planning to travel to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to on the days of strike action. 

"Customers should check their journey in advance to make sure your train is running." 

For the latest information before travelling, check the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk.