ScotRail has offered a fresh deal to striking workers in the dispute over driver-only train operations.

Staff have been planning to conduct a series of strikes throughout August in the dispute over retaining guards on all train services.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said the deal offered by the company will "guarantee" conductors on newly electrified train services.

In a message to members, general secretary Mike Cash said the deal will: "1. Guaranteed a conductor on every new electrified train. 2. Guaranteed that the conductor will retain their full competency (rules, track safety, evacuation).

"In addition, ScotRail confirm that trains operating these services will not run without a competent Conductor on board.

"This proposal, including the above guarantees, is subject to ScotRail and the RMT entering into discussion about and agreeing a method of train dispatch for these services."

Earlier on Monday, transport minister Humza Yousaf urged RMT members to suspend their "damaging strikes".

ScotRail said it is "encouraged" by discussions held between the parties but has renewed calls for RMT to suspend its planned industrial action so further talks can take place.

A company spokesman said: "At today's meeting with the RMT we discussed a proposal that would see a conductor retained on the new electric trains when they enter service next year.

"It would also mean a change to the way in which those trains are dispatched.

"We were encouraged by the talks today but further discussion will need to take place. In order to enable this, we have asked the RMT to suspend all upcoming strikes and to encourage a return to normal working.

"We have always said that there was a way forward on this issue. Our priority has always been to do what is right for our customers and our people.

"We are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in new trains and over a billion pounds in electrifying lines.

"This will transform the way people travel. The way in which we work has to keep pace with that change."