Scotrail has reminded passengers heading to and from the Gold Cup this weekend that there will be an alcohol ban in place on services via Ayr.

On top of this the train company has told customers to leave extra time for the journey due to the exclusion zone around Ayr train station caused by an 'unsafe' hotel building.

The William Hill Ayr Gold Cup which kicked off today is expected to see even more punters flooding for the trains tomorrow for the second day of races.

In a statement Scotrail said: "We're looking forward to helping you travel to the Ayr Gold Cup Festival on Thursday 20, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 September.

"South Ayrshire Council has imposed an exclusion zone at Ayr station, which will have an impact on our services. This is because the former hotel building next to the station has been deemed unsafe. The hotel building isn’t owned or operated by ScotRail.

"The station is open and we're doing everything we can to get you there.

"Please plan ahead and check your journey. Allow extra time for travel as queuing systems will be in place, and as with most major events, alcohol bans will be in place."

The alcohol ban will be in place Friday and Saturday on all services to Ayr between 10am and 3pm and from Ayr between 5pm and 10pm.