SCOTRAIL has warned that it may evict a group of people from the travellers’ community who appear to have set up camp in an overflow car park at Kilwinning railway station.

The rail operator says it’s in talks with the people in the facility off Ashgrove Road.

The Herald approached ScotRail after being contacted by a local resident who expressed concern that the car park’s status as private land might make the travellers’ use of the car park unlawful.

The facility, which is owned by the rail operator, has seen a downturn in use after passenger numbers plummeted during the Covid pandemic, with people asked to work from home where possible for long periods – and many choosing to still do so in spite of the easing of restrictions.

A ScotRail spokesperson told the Herald: “We are talking to representatives of the travelling community currently on site in the overflow car park at Kilwinning station with the hope of reaching an amicable solution.

“Should this fail, more formal procedures – including the issue of an eviction notice - are being considered.”

Police Scotland’s local preventions and interventions officer, Constable Guy Jenner, said: “Police Scotland, local authorities and key partner agencies are aware of an encampment at the overflow car park of Kilwinning railway station.

“The Equality Act 2010 provides gypsy/travellers with the same protection as all other ethnic groups.

Police Scotland work with local authorities and key partner agencies to fulfil its obligations under this Act - whilst balancing this with the needs of the settled community in the area.

“The standard of behaviour expected from all members of the community is the same - a mutual respect of the rights and responsibilities of all those concerned.”

A council spokesperson said the authority was aware of the encampment, but that ScotRail’s ownership of the car park meant the authority was unable to take any action.