Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Dear Voornaam,

Like many of you, I suspect, the news about ScotRail's plans to massively curtail its timetable because of a threat of fresh strike action by Aslef - first broken by The Scotsman's Martyn McLaughlin and Alastair Dalton - has had me glancing at my diary.

I live in Edinburgh so... curry with friends next week in Glasgow? Looking less likely, unless I go home early, take the bus, or try alcohol-free lager for the night (which might be the healthier choice, but that's for another day). Later in the month... invite those friends from Fife over for an evening? They'll be needing to stay over... or let their car take the strain.

A disappointing backward step

But the disruption of my social life is a minor concern compared to those needing those services to get to, or from, jobs - including, of course, staff in the nighttime economy who make those evenings out possible. But it's also grim news for those doing shifts, having to work late, or who just want to enjoy the pleasure of post-work socialising.

It's a disappointing backward step for public transport in this country, all the more ironic given the environmental virtues of taking the train, and the SNP/Green coalition we have in charge. Nicola Sturgeon herself said the reductions were "not acceptable".

We only hope they get it fixed before this summer's Edinburgh Festivals... although we have no assurances about that, with only the promise these cuts are "temporary". We'll see.

'Heaven is a place on Earth. Sadly, it isn't Seville'

Speaking of disappointments, it was heartbreaking to see Rangers come so near, but yet be so far, from their first European title in 50 years on Wednesday night. Alan Pattullo will have struck a chord in both halves of Glasgow's footballing divide when he wrote: "Heaven is a place on earth. Sadly, it isn't Seville. It never seems to be Seville".

We've a Scottish Cup final tomorrow, of course, between that Rangers team and Hearts - a former player for the Edinburgh side, Paulo Sergio, reckons Hearts can profit from Rangers weariness, and that wouldn't be a surprise. We'll take a look at the state of things on the site, and in the paper, tomorrow.

Looking ahead to the weekend

Also tomorrow: how to get started in wild water swimming (now the temperatures have risen enough to - maybe - not kill you in the attempt), while Minnie Driver graces the cover of the magazine, which is also packed with wit and wisdom about books, art, music, food, drink and more.

And if that isn't all enough... we're also offering the chance to win a £1,000 gift card from Dobbies, the garden centre chain. If, like me, you've yet to do much with your green space this spring, tomorrow could be just the opportunity.

So whatever you're doing - and perhaps especially if you're on a train journey - we hope tomorrow's Scotsman, online and in print, all you need for the perfect start to your weekend.

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman