SIGNIFICANT disruption is set to hit Central Fife trains during the latest round of strike action.

ScotRail is warning customers that the walk out, planned for October 1 and 8, by RMT members of Network Rail will mean a limited number of services will operate.

On these days a similar timetable to that in place during last month's strike, with Fife services extending from Inverkeithing to Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath.

In total 11 routes will be in operation across the Central Belt, Fife, and the Borders between 7.30am and 6.30pm.

The dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however, it will have a major impact on the train operator’s ability to run as normal due to Network Rail staff occupying safety-critical roles.

David Simpson, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: "It’s really disappointing to see more widespread disruption across the whole Great Britain rail network at a time when we need to be encouraging more people back to the railway.

"For ScotRail, it’s going to mean that we won’t be able to operate the vast majority of our services, which we know will be really frustrating for our customers.   

"ScotRail customers should expect significant disruption to services on Saturday, 1 October and Saturday, 8 October, as well as on the following days.

"We’re advising customers to seek alternative means of transport and to only travel if they really need to on the day of strike action.

"Customers should check your journey in advance to make sure your train is running if you’re travelling on the day following strike action, Sunday, 2 October and Sunday, 9 October."

During this period two trains per hour will pass through West Fife on the Edinburgh Waverley to Cowdenbeath route.

Final services will depart well before 6.30pm, so customers should plan ahead.

The RMT trade union has also announced that strike action will take place on Monday, October 10 as part of a pay dispute with ScotRail.

Customers will be updated on a contingency plan when it is finalised.