Direct sleeper trains between Scotland and mainland Europe could become reality as first steps have been taken to discuss the launch of new services.
Transport Scotland, the Scottish national transport agency, announced this week that a working group has met for the first time to deliver a feasibility study for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe.
The Caledonian Sleeper, run by Scottish Rail, currently operates five routes northbound and southbound six nights a week, connecting destinations such as Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
The train also stops at smaller stations and rural locations across England and Scotland, including Dundee, Perth, Gleneagles and Carlisle, to name a few.
The group, comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, will oversee the development of the feasibility study, exploring ways that the sleeper rail service could be extended to the continent.
The study has been launched as part of the Scottish government’s manifesto commitment, in which the leading party SNP pledged to explore train connections to Europe to reduce air travel.
The manifesto said that it would look at options to run the Caledonian Sleeper from Scotland and through the Channel Tunnel, which is currently used by Eurostar high-speed services from London to Paris and other European cities.
A similar project was proposed in the mid-1990s called “Nightstar”, but was eventually scrapped.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “We committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe and I am pleased that this work is now underway.
“The establishment of this working group marks an important first step in delivering that commitment and will help ensure the feasibility study is informed by the expertise of our rail partners.
“This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.”
The working group is expected to report its findings to Scottish ministers later this year.