UNION leaders are today considering an offer aimed at averting Christmas strikes on Scotland's railways.

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are due to walk out, threatening travel chaos for passengers over the festive period.

ScotRail members of the RMT are to stage two 24-hour strikes in a dispute over the sacking of a worker.

They will walk out on December 22 and again on Christmas Eve.

Union members on the firm's sleeper service will also strike for 24 hours from the evening of December 21 and again from the evening of December 23.

The union said the action was in support of Scott Lewis, who the RMT claimed had been dismissed "for trying to help a member of the public buy the correct ticket".

Last night, a union spokesman said: "Following further dialogue between RMT and ScotRail the union is in receipt of a formal offer from the company aimed at resolving the current dispute.

"That offer will now be considered by RMT's executive first thing on Wednesday morning."

A statement from the train operator said: "ScotRail has confirmed that constructive dialogue has taken place with the RMT to avert strike action next weekend and to end the dispute.

"It is hoped there will be a successful outcome.

"Given the circumstances, ScotRail will not be publishing its contingency plans today.

"To do so would only cause confusion while a formal offer to end the dispute has been made."

The RMT announced its strike plans last Thursday.

Of those members balloted, 548 voted in favour of strike action and 264 against, with seven ballots spoiled.

Turnout was 37%. The union said the ballot had delivered an overwhelming mandate.

ScotRail promised to run as many trains as possible in any dispute.

More than 95% of services were unaffected during the last RMT strike in 2010.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk