ScotRail's Scottish Cup final special train – the Inverness Express – will be alcohol-free, it confirms

THE party atmosphere may be in full swing when Inverness Caley Thistle fans head off on their travels aboard ScotRail's Inverness Express cup final special service this weekend – but one thing the fans won't be able to do is drink alcohol aboard.

ScotRail has confirmed that the 'temporary' ban on alcohol consumption aboard all of its trains will remain in effect – even on the dedicated football services – on the day of the match.

The ScotRail-wide bar on alcohol consumption was brought in during the Covid-19 pandemic but has since been continued pending a Scottish Government review on whether to make it permanent.

And anyone drinking aboard ScotRail's services can be prosecuted for breaking its by-laws.

Related: ScotRail to provide extra carriages between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida to help Inverness Caley Thistle and Celtic fans attend the Scottish Cup final

The news may be a wee downer for any fans hoping to enjoy a tipple or two while travelling to the Scottish Cup final.

But it should probably come as no shock either – as even before the ScotRail-wide ban on alcohol, the operator had long ago brought in temporary bans on specific rail services on the days of major sporting events.

So even if the wider ban was not still in force, it's highly likely the Inverness Express would have been a 'dry train' either way.

- What do you think? Are you in favour of the ban? Do you think it will be better for families travelling down to the match? Or do you think the move is a bit of a party-pooper? Let us know via email at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.