AYRSHIRE residents will be able to take advantage of a cut-price ticket offer for cheap rail travel across Scotland and beyond.

ScotRail is cutting 50 per cent off all off-peak services between any two stations in Scotland, Monday to Friday.

The offer had been due to launch in January but was postponed because of the rise in Omicron cases.

A similar offer covering the rest of the UK was announced on Thursday morning, but the only Scottish journeys covered by that price cut deal were those run by cross-border operators such as LNER, Avanti West Coast, and CrossCountry.

That deal only covered rail operating companies franchised by the UK Government, which doesn’t include ScotRail, as transport in Scotland is devolved to Holyrood.

However, ScotRail’s deal, announced on Thursday afternoon, means passengers in Scotland will be able to benefit too.

Tickets can be booked between May 9 and 15, and the outward journeys must take place between May 9 and 31.

All return journeys must be complete by June 30.

The cheap tickets can only be booked online, with the link to be published on ScotRail’s website. at a later date.

South Scotland MSP Sharon Dowey said: “The cost of living crisis has put severe pressure on many families across Ayrshire and the rail ticket sale is a great opportunity to ease this burden.

“People can grab their tickets at a discounted price and they can explore many locations by train.

“I’m pleased to see that this sale will reduce rail fares for Ayrshire residents, while boosting domestic tourism.

“It will also allow more travel opportunities for tourists to come to South Ayrshire and enjoy a beautiful weekend in our towns and countryside.”