RAIL engineers will switch on live 25,000-volt overhead power cables on the main Edinburgh to Glasgow line for testing from early next month.

The public are being warned that the deadly cables will be live from Saturday, September 2.

Work on the 46-mile line between the Scotland's two largest cities is about to enter a testing and safety checks phase, with the introduction of new electric trains due in the year.

Network Rail, responsible for safety on and around the railway system, said a campaign is now under way to highlight the new dangers an electrified railway poses to those who trespass on the tracks or accidentally make contact with overhead lines.

Kevin McClelland, of Network Rail, said: “Electrification also marks a significant change to the railway environment in terms of risk for those living or working near to the newly electrified routes so it is important we do what we can to make people, particularly young people, aware of this change and encourage them to stay safe near the railway.

“Electric trains will be quieter and accelerate faster than diesel ones they replace.

"The overhead power lines we have installed carry 25,000 volts of electricity – enough to kill anyone who comes into contact with them.”

More than 100,000 safety leaflets being delivered through every door in line-side communities.