ScotRail has announced improvements to its timetable.
The changes, effective from December 9, will deliver faster journeys, more seats and more services for customers, the train operator said.
Among the key changes are a new hourly Aberdeen to Montrose service – stopping at Portlethen, Stonehaven and Laurencekirk – and 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.
“This is just the first phase of the work we are doing to deliver for our customers over the next year.
“The investment we are making to electrify more lines and introduce new and upgraded trains means we will deliver faster journeys, more seats, and more services for our customers.”
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “These changes mark the first significant phase of timetable improvements on Scotland’s railways with £475 million being invested in rolling stock during this franchise, introducing faster, longer, greener trains.
“The amendments will see more of the existing refurbished fleets cascaded across the country meaning better trains, more seats and more services, delivering an improved experience for passengers.”