A new early morning train will be introduced within weeks for commuters heading to Inverness from the south.
From December 12, the new Monday-Saturday service will leave Perth at 5.08am on its way to the Highland capital.
It will call at the usual stops along the way – Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge – before arriving at Inverness just after 8am.
Currently, the the first train leaves Kingussie at 7.39am and arrives in Inverness at 8:38am. That service will continue to run.
Southbound, a new service departs Inverness at 05:36 calling at all stations and joining the existing Blair Atholl service that sets off at 7.12am.
This reaches Edinburgh at about 9.25am, and will also provide a connection at Perth for Glasgow arriving at 9.15am.
Inverness MSP and Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, said: “These new services are good news, offering more frequent and timely services that will benefit rail passengers and businesses in Inverness and the surrounding area.
“Good public transport links such as rail are proven to be key drivers of local economies, helping to connect communities and businesses, and opening up areas for trade and investment.”
Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “Inverness attracts a growing number of commuters and we are pleased to be able to add these two additional early morning service to help meet demand.
“More timetable improvements will follow in 2018, including an hourly service to Nairn, Forres and Elgin, and hourly services alternating to/from Edinburgh and Glasgow, with limited calls south of Perth.”
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “These additional services will be of significant benefit to businesses based in Inverness.”
