RAIL unions in Scotland challenged First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today to “take sides” with them against the destruction of the industry at the hands of the Tories.

The RMT, Aslef, TSSA and Unite have written to Nicola Sturgeon amid ongoing strike action across the industry, asking her: “Which side are you on?”

They have called for a meeting with Ms Sturgeon to discuss the future of the network, accusing the Scottish government of a “lack of vision” for train services.

The four rail unions drew up plans last year for a publicly owned Scottish rail service in the face of ever-worsening services provided by profit-driven privateers.

Aslef Scottish regional organiser Kevin Lindsay said: “We want to hear if she agrees with our vision of affordable fares, expanded services, accessible, well-staffed and attractive stations, enhanced freight services and the privateers driven out of our industry.

“Sadly, up until now, the Scottish government has not shared our vision. Now is the time for them to pick whose side they are on.

“Do they agree with the workers or the Tory vision of managed decline for rail services?

“Or, do they agree with us about the need for accessible, attractive and affordable rail travel that shifts people from road travel onto trains and buses?

“As a priority we want her government to support investment in the people who keep our rail services going, removing peak fares premium and extending concessions to bus travel to rail. 

“In so doing, making clear her commitment to investing in and transforming Scotland’s railways into the world-class services needed to meet our environmental obligations whilst also growing our economy.”

Scottish Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity today to meet with rail union representatives and share with them the Scottish government’s positive agenda for the future of rail here in Scotland.

"I reiterated my desire and willingness to work collaboratively with them to make the publicly owned ScotRail a success.

“We know rail unions share many of the Scottish government’s aspirations, and we are keen to ensure that the Trade Unions contribute effectively to developing a shared vision for rail through the National Rail Conversation.

“It is the long-standing position of the Scottish government that a progressive approach to industrial relations such as this along with greater – not fewer – protections for workers is at the heart of a fairer, more successful society.

"I and the Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work and Minister for Transport have made clear this government’s opposition to Westminster’s regressive changes to employment practices.

"I look forward to working with Scotland’s rail unions in progressing our shared positive agenda for rail and to resisting any erosion of workers’ rights by the UK government.”