AN EAST Renfrewshire man is preparing to soak up the sun at a five-star hotel in Dubai after winning a ScotRail competition.

Aidan Johnston, 38, was just one of thousands of ScotRail Smartcard holders who entered the prize draw.

The Strathclyde University employee will jet off to the United Arab Emirates with a friend next month for a seven-night stay courtesy of ScotRail Alliance who have teamed up with Barrhead Travel to offer the dream holiday.

Giffnock resident Aiden, who is a Scotrail Smartcard season ticket holder, admits he owes the trip, in part, to his impatience.

He said: “I’ve never been to Dubai but can see why so many people love the place – it seems to have everything.

“I’m really looking forward to soaking up the sun and just relaxing for seven days.

“I hate using paper tickets for anything and don’t like queuing so a Smartcard is perfect for me.

“It’s really easy to use and every month I just log in online to renew my season ticket.”

Cathy Craig, ScotRail Alliance’s commercial director, said: “We launched the Smartcard Benefits scheme and this prize draw as we wanted to reward our most loyal customers, our season ticket holders, and raise awareness of the advantages of using a ScotRail Smartcard.

“Thanks to Barrhead Travel, who are a key partner, in our Smartcard Benefits scheme, we’re able to send one lucky winner on the holiday of a lifetime.

“We hope Aidan has a tremendous time on this wonderful holiday and enjoys every minute of it.”

Smart ticketing technology is available across ScotRail Alliance’s network with every route enabled for single, return and season tickets.

Tickets for other travel providers – such as Glasgow Subway – can also be uploaded onto Smartcards, with bus companies and ferry operators scheduled to start providing integrated travel options soon.

Smartcard holders who have registered through their MyScotRail account can claim rewards from discounts on coffee, travel, car hire and clothing.