Very few ScotRail trains are running today because members of the RMT in general grades are staging a 24-hour strike.

The action has gone ahead after the union rejected a pay offer on Thursday.

ScotRail is warning that limited services will run only between Edinburgh and Milngavie, and from Glasgow Central to Lanark and Larkhall. These trains will be run by contingency staff. Passengers are being asked to travel only if they must.

The RMT has also advised ScotRail that its general grades members will take part in an overtime and rest day working ban as part of action short of a strike from 14 October, which will disrupt some services until the dispute is resolved.

ScotRail’s head of customer operations Phil Campbell said: ‘We’re really disappointed that the dispute with the RMT has reached this outcome, given the strength of the improved pay offer ScotRail made.

‘This strike does nothing for the railway’s recovery at this fragile time. It will severely impact our customers and it will also cost our staff through lost wages.’

Speaking to the BBC, RMT senior organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Mick Hogg said: ‘We are seeking a pay increase that reflects the cost of living crisis. Inflation is running at 12.3 per cent and what we are seeking is a fair settlement that comes somewhere near.

‘We feel 8.2-8.3 per cent is a fair offer. If it is good enough for the Scottish government to give bin workers and teachers a 10 per cent pay increase then it is good enough for rail workers.’

Meanwhile, the RMT has also declared strikes of train managers on Avanti West Coast on 22 October and 6 November, in a dispute over the what the union described as the ‘imposition’ of rosters.

Avanti, which has just been given a six-month contract extension, said the new rosters would prevent cancellations.

But RMT general secretary Mick Lynch responded: ‘Avanti are one of the worst operators we have ever tried to negotiate with.

‘They have treated our members appallingly and this strike action is the culmination of months of neglect and a strong response to the arrogance bosses have shown.

‘Avanti should never have been given any extension to their contract for all the chaos they have caused passengers.

‘And their contempt of their staff is part and parcel of their disastrous approach.’