HELENSBURGH'S MSP Jackie Baillie has called on ScotRail to extend its compensation for the significant disruption to services in recent months to include passengers from Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Alexandria.

Ms Baillie's demand comes after the rail firm announced limited free train travel to affected passengers on selected routes to apologise to those who have been worst hit by delays and cancellations.

However, Burgh commuters will miss out, much to the dismay of Ms Baillie.

She said: "It simply isn’t good enough that passengers from our community are not being compensated for the delays and cancellations that they have been experiencing for the last three months.

"Commuters from Helensburgh, Balloch and Dumbarton deserve an apology too for all the problems they have had to put up with."

The MSP was at Helensburgh Central earlier this week talking to passengers about the recent price hike which came into force on January 2, with tickets now costing on average 3.1 per cent more.

Ms Baillie added: “It is all the more insulting that ScotRail has once again increased ticket prices across the country. 3.1 per cent is a significant increase for a service that is just getting worse. Hard-pressed commuters deserve a much better service.

“The Scottish Government should implement a fares freeze until the service improves and ensure that all passengers are properly compensated for the problems they have been subject to.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry to our customers in Helensburgh who have experienced disruption in recent weeks.

“Anyone delayed by 30 minutes or more as a result of a cancellation is entitled to compensation through our Delay Repay Guarantee. Just keep hold of your ticket and claim on our website or mobile app.”