A BORDERS MSP has hit out at the Scottish Government after many rail commuters were left stranded during the height of Storm Ali.

Gusts of over 80 miles-per-hour were recorded across the Borders during Wednesday morning and afternoon.

Although ScotRail initially stated that it planned 'to operate a full service across all routes' most trains on the Borders Railway were later cancelled.

And many students and workers who rely on the service were left stranded.

South Scotland MSP, Michelle Ballantyne believes the government's guidance that commuters should not travel unless 'absolutely necessary' was responsible for the cancellations.

She has now questioned whether those affected will be compensated.

Mrs Ballantyne told us: "I know that many people will have checked the Scottish Government’s forecasts and advice for how the trains will be operating today.

“After being assured that service will run as normal, we are now seeing the cancellation of trains to Galashiels, Tweedbank and Gorebridge.

“Many people, including students, will have been counting on this service to ensure that they could get home. Some of these people may now have to stay in Edinburgh.

“The SNP Government need to evaluate their handling of this situation. In future they must ensure that expectations are set before severe weather hits.

“I am also curious to know what compensation they will provide to those who have incurred extra expenses in either travel or accommodation as a result of this.

"It is unfair to leave people out of pocket as a result of the SNP’s miscommunication.”

We did ask ScotRail to respond to Ms Ballantyne's criticism but they have yet to respond.