Five railway stations in Scotland are to receive a multi-million pound cash injection to improve access for disabled people.

Tom Harris, UK rail minister, announced the funding yesterday from the government's £370m Access For All fund.

He said while it would not be possible to provide lift access at all stations, those which recorded the most disabled users would benefit.

Easterhouse, Hyndland, Linlithgow, Montrose and Perth stations will all undergo work to ensure there is an alternative to steps to access the platforms.

Mr Harris visited Mount Florida station in his Cathcart constituency to see a ramp and elevator, installed under the programme, which is due to be in use next week.

He said: "We have inherited a railway system dating back as far as 1830 in some cases and the Victorians did not give much thought to disabled access.

"This will not solve all of our problems but it will make a difference.

"The important thing is that stations most used by disabled people will be done as a priority. We want to encourage more people to travel by train, so it is important we ensure the network is accessible to everyone."

Michael Igoe, of Shawlands, who is confined to a wheelchair, said yesterday when he visited the Mount Florida station: "Improvements like this will make it easier for me. I would like to see this at more stations to help more people like me."

Eight stations in Scotland are already undergoing improvements under the scheme. Barrhead, Cupar, Dalmuir, Kirkcaldy, Motherwell, Rutherglen and Stirling as well as Mount Florida will have stair free access.

Ron McAulay, Network Rail director, Scotland, said: "We're pleased that the funding has now been put in place to carry out these essential station improvements and we look forward to completing this work with the minimum of disruption."