STAFF and pupils are struggling to get to Hermitage Academy on time due to the recent train woes, it has been revealed.

The school’s depute head teacher Roseanne Mackay was speaking at last week’s meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group when the issue was discussed.

And Mrs Mackay also expressed fears that transport problems could affect the destinations young people go to when they leave Hermitage.

Dozens of rail services at Craigendoran station, the nearest stop to the Academy, have been subject to delays or cancellations in recent weeks due to various issues.

Mrs Mackay said: “We have a challenge in the form of transport – how do young people travel to take advantage of the opportunities they have?

“With Hermitage’s location, recently the trans have been so badly affected that our staff find it difficult to get in on time, let alone our young people.

“When things go wrong in that respect, that makes it quite difficult for them. If anybody could help in that respect we absolutely would welcome it.”

Allan Comrie, senior transport planner with Strathclyde Passenger Transport, was in attendance at the meeting at Cove Burgh Hall.

He said: “In terms of the school having issues with the rail network, clearly it is very important. One of the consequences of improving a rail network is that Helensburgh trains now go to Edinburgh.

“When you extend a network you introduce far more inprobabilities that can affect the efficiency of that service.

“If something happens at Haymarket it has a knock-on effect for Dumbarton, Cardross or Craigendoran.

“The network has improved, but the vast majority of issues affecting the Helensburgh line are to do with issues beyond the network.”

Train travel has been an issue in Helensburgh recently, with MSP Jackie Baillie pledging to raise the concerns of constituents in the Scottish Parliament.

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “The autumn and winter seasons present difficulties for the railway. This year has been no different with Storm Ali having an understandable impact on our performance.

“We will continue to work night and day to deliver the best service for our customers in Craigendoran, Helensburgh, Cardross and beyond.

“The ScotRail Alliance is investing billions in improved infrastructure and hundreds of millions of pounds on new and upgraded trains as we continue to do everything we can to improve performance.”

Mrs Mackay also spoke about other challenges facing young people leaving school, including parents’ perception of available options.

She added: “People still see the traditional routes after leaving school and are more comfortable with them.

“We can’t do enough to make people understand there are a range of opportunities out there. It’s just about them being right for the young person.”