More Lockerbie to London trains on way

A DAILY train service will launch next year between Stirling and London with stops in Lockerbie.

Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, will run four return services a day, with three on Sundays, starting in 2026.

The Lumo brand currently runs on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh.

They are taking over the planned service by Grand Union, which was approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) last year.

The trains will also call at Larbert, Greenfaulds, Whifflet, Motherwell and Lockerbie en-route to England.

It has been cautiously welcomed by South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, who said: “Hopefully it will happen and will be a good addition for passengers travelling south from Lockerbie.

“The fact the trains won’t go to Edinburgh and Glasgow will obviously limit their use north from Lockerbie. However, I hope this new service puts pressure on Avanti to realise that their services between London and Central Belt are woeful and there is demand for more of them to stop at Lockerbie. At present, more of Avanti’s trains pass through Lockerbie without stopping than actually stop and that needs to change.

“In the meantime, this move by Lumo is a step in the right direction and some good news for Lockerbie.”

Meanwhile, fellow South of Scotland MSP Craig Hoy has met with representatives from Lumo to discuss the new route.

He said: “This new service is a welcome boost for Lockerbie and the wider Dumfriesshire area.”

Mr Hoy believe it is “another step forward” in getting an improved rail service locally, adding: “Lockerbie is vital to the region’s transport network, and I’ll continue working to ensure it receives the investment and attention it requires.”