Seat reservations on Scotrail

[Tubeboy]

I had a great time last year travelling the lines to Kyle, Wick, Inverness and Aberdeen.

This year I am planning to do the following. I will be travelling the 2nd week of September.

Day 1 1037 Glasgow to Oban and 1441 return.

Day 2 0938 Glasgow to Stranraer then the 1250 return. 1612 Glasgow to Carlisle(via Dumfries) 1835 Carlisle to Glasgow.

Day 3 0821 Glasgow to Mallaig and 1605 return.

Day 4 0710 Glasgow to Inverness, 1100 Inverness to Kyle, 1437 Kyle to Inverness and 1730 Inverness to Glasgow.


I have a freedom of Scotland travelpass, which means on day 4, I'll get an advance for the Glasgow to Inverness leg as it isn't valid until 0915.

I'm aware I can get the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, but I'd rather do the trip as above.

My big question is should I reserve seats? I will definitely be getting them for the Oban and Mallaig legs, but are seat reservations recommended for the Carlisle and Stranraer legs? Are these trains popular? Would I find it difficult to get a seat?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[MidnightFlyer]

For Stranraer, you could have an entire carriage of a 156 outward and half of one on the return to yourself. You've no need at all to worry on that one.