ScotRail has appointed Northern Rail boss Alex Hynes to replace Phil Verster as managing director.

Mr Verster left his post on Friday to move to East West Rail after facing months of criticism over ScotRail's punctuality.

Dutch firm Abellio operate Scotland's railway franchise and are expected to ensure at least 91.3% of trains arrive within five minutes of their advertised time.

The franchise has been unable to hit the target but has improved in recent weeks, with the rolling annual average now standing at 90%.

Mr Hynes has been in his role with Arriva Rail North for just three and a half years.

He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to lead the ScotRail Alliance, this cutting-edge arrangement, which brings together the management of ScotRail and Network Rail to deliver the very best for customers.

"The ScotRail Alliance is delivering one of the largest programmes of investment, change and modernisation since the railway was built.

"To be part of that, and the plans to vastly improve services and capacity for customers, is hugely exciting for me."

The role of ScotRail managing director was described as one of the most "pressurised" posts in the rail industry.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail said: "We are very pleased that Alex is joining Network Rail to lead the ScotRail Alliance.

"This is one of the most pressurised, high profile roles in the whole railway industry and we look forward to helping him succeed."