ScotRail has announced it is to make improvements for its customers – including more frequent north-east services.

The changes, effective from December 9, will deliver faster journeys, more seats and more services, the train operator said.

Among the key changes are a new hourly Aberdeen to Montrose service – stopping at Portlethen, Stonehaven and Laurencekirk.

Also, there will be nine additional services between Inverness and Elgin, giving close to an hourly all-day service for Nairn, Forres and Elgin.

Further timetable improvements will be delivered in May and December next year.

ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: “The improvements we are making to our timetable from December mean ScotRail has reached another milestone as we build the best railway Scotland has ever had.”