What is "scotrail"

ScotRail refers to a number of Scottish rail corporations that have operated trains in Scotland under the ScotRail brand beginning in September 1983.

These include:

• ScotRail (British Rail) - division of British Rail that operated trains in Scotland from September 1983 until March 1997
• ScotRail (National Express) - train operating company that operated the franchise between March 1997 and October 2004
• First ScotRail - train operating company that operated the franchise from October 2004 until March 2015
• Abellio ScotRail - train operating company that has operated the franchise since April 2015

ScotRail was a train operating company in Scotland owned by National Express that operated the ScotRail franchise from March 1997 until October 2004. Prior to March 1997 ScotRail (British Rail) ran the trains and after October 2004 First ScotRail ran them.

ScotRail has been the brand name used for all Scottish regional and commuter rail services, including some cross-border services, since September 1983. Since 2008, it is the permanent name of the Scottish franchised rail services, regardless of the train operating company that operates them.

The ScotRail trading name was adopted on 22 September 1983, under manager Chris Green, British Railways Scottish Region to provide a distinctive brand for the British Rail network in Scotland.