“I give my reassurances that there is a continued role for them to play in the future success of the service.”

RMT’s Mick Lynch welcomed the move, but laid down a challenge, saying: “With all of its rail passenger services now in public ownership, the Scottish government needs to commence the long-awaited national conversation on rail without delay.

“At the heart of this must be investment in expanding and improving services, ruling out cuts to ticket offices and properly staffing Scotland’s railway to make it accessible for all.”

Scottish Labour’s Richard Leonard told the Star: “This is a day to celebrate.

“Not only has Serco been removed but this iconic service is back in public ownership.

“This is a result of a hard-fought campaign by the RMT to which I was pleased to lend my support.”