SCOTRAIL will continue to be led by managing director Steve Montgomery when Abellio starts running the franchise on April 1, the Dutch rail giant has announced.

The company, which won the contract from FirstGroup last year, emphasised the importance of continuity as it looks to grow the franchise over the next 10 years.

While many senior figures are staying the team has been boosted by some new faces, including interim commercial director Jonathan Crick, formerly of Network Rail's retail property division.

Former Southern HR director Matt Watson has been appointed to the new role of business transformation director on an interim basis.

Abellio's mobilisation director Ian McConnell will move to the post of transition director to maintain continuity and ensure the franchise commitments are met.

Abellio managing director Dominic Booth said: "It is well recognised that ScotRail has been a successful franchise under the leadership of the current team. Whilst Abellio are extremely ambitious and have committed to significant improvements, these will be delivered by building on the good work done by ScotRail in recent years; we're not about starting from scratch."