LNER running trains empty to Glasgow Central

Just been in Central and saw an LNER Azuma train sitting empty on Platform 2. Looked at RealTimeTrains and saw that it was scheduled to run empty from Edinburgh to Glasgow and back, however operated to/from King's Cross either side.

Why are they running this train empty? If it's starting at King's Cross, terminating at Edinburgh and then turning around in Glasgow, would it not be a good idea to run it with passengers to Glasgow? I know it's a Thursday afternoon, but I can imagine it would be of some benefit.

Is this a common occurrence?

It runs for Drivers route learning and knowledge retention. To run it with passengers would require rostering of a Guard and to run it daily but a training train can be cancelled if it isn't required.

driver9000 said:

It runs for Drivers route learning and knowledge retention. To run it with passengers would require rostering of a Guard and to run it daily but a training train can be cancelled if it isn't required.

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To add, it utilises a set that would otherwise go to Craigentinny for a layover during the day, so makes use of that asset.

If they do get there wish to withdraw from Glasgow, I can’t see if lasting much longer.

800001 said:

If they do get their wish to withdraw from Glasgow, I can’t see if lasting much longer.

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Quite. The fact that the one daily service requires a daily route retention special indicates one reason for LNER's decision.