THE first of 40 new-look ScotRail trains have been unveiled as part of a £14million modernisation.

They will deliver improved seating, better lighting and accessibility and power sockets at customers' seats.

The two-carriage Class 158 trains will be painted in ScotRail’s 'Saltire' livery with interiors which have modern carpets, finishes and toilets.

New CCTV systems will be fitted in the 137-seat trains which will also be fitted with automated passenger-counting systems.

The fleet is being upgraded with Scotland’s scenic railways in mind, with seats aligned alongside windows to offer panoramic views on the country’s most picturesque routes.

Refurbishment work is being carried out at the Knorr-Bremse RailServices Springburn facility in Glasgow with 14 extra new staff already recruited for the project.

The first carriage left the depot today and will be on the track ready for the opening day of the new Borders Railway.

Derek Mackay, Minister for Transport and Islands said: “We are investing record amounts in Scotland’s railways and with passenger numbers increasing by more than six million last year, these refurbished trains will further improve the travel experience.

"I am also particularly pleased that, in the process, Scottish jobs are being supported with these improvement works delivered by workers at Knorr-Bremse RailServices’ depot in Springburn."

The revamped trains will be rolled out at a rate of roughly one a month between now and April 2018 on routes across Scotland, including Glasgow Queen Street to Alloa, Falkirk Grahamston and Anniesland.

ScotRail Alliance managing director Phil Verster said: “Completing the first refurbishment is a big moment for this exciting project, which I believe will make a real difference for passengers using Scotland’s railways.

“We’ve listened to customers, and that feedback is reflected in the upgrades being made. Seats are better aligned alongside windows, interiors are brighter and more modern, and people can charge phones and laptops during their journeys.”