ScotRail has announced it will launch a half-hourly Sunday service on its Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk route from 9 September. A dozen more trains - and more than 2,250 extra seats - will be provided every Sunday.

The expansion of services means there will be trains on the hour and half past the hour in both directions on Sundays for the first time in the line’s 170-years-old history.

Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, said: “These improvements to Sunday services between Edinburgh and Glasgow are a real boost for rail users.

“We recognise that people’s travelling patterns continue to change and these new, more frequent services offer even more opportunities for people to make the switch to rail, delivering environmental and economic benefits for Scotland.”

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I am delighted to welcome ScotRail’s announcement of a record number of Sunday services on this key route.

“The shift from road to rail travel is hugely important in meeting the ambitious climate change targets set by the Scottish Government.

“But travelling by train is also a fantastic way for people to get around and enjoy what Scotland, and her two biggest cities, has to offer.”

The additional trains will leave Edinburgh Waverley at 08.30, 09.30, 10.30, 11.30, 21.30 and 22.30, and depart Glasgow Queen Street at 09.00, 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 22.00 and 23.00.

All the trains will call at Haymarket, Linlithgow, Falkirk High and Croy stations.