IRVINE’S MP has voiced his disappointment after Dutch company Abellio was awarded the ScotRail franchise.

Brian Donohoe was dismayed to learn that FirstGroup - who has operated Scotland’s railway for the last decade - had not been awarded the new contract.

From April 1 2015, Abellio will run ScotRail services with a contract worth £6bn.

The Central Ayrshire MP insists that FirstGroup should have been awarded the contract and highlighted the companies achievements in the last ten years.

He said: “Scottish company FirstGroup have operated Scotland’s railway since 2004 and have transformed rail travel during that time.

“Their success has been recognised a number of times, just last week they were once again named rail operator of the year.

“FirstGroup have invested in the nation’s rail fleet and stations, rolled out free Wi-Fi and launched a Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service – a first for the rail industry.

“Given this record, I am disappointed FirstGroup will not retain the ScotRail franchise. “I would also suggest that the Scottish Executive could have used this opportunity to return the national railway into public ownership whereby profits would benefit the people of Scotland. Sadly this is obviously not something that has been considered. “I can only hope that new operator Abellio will deliver on the promises they are making and continue to improve to the benefit of ScotRail’s passengers and employees.”