A NEW route between the Highlands and mainland Europe could be on its way, after a working group met for the first time to assess the feasibility of extending the Caledonian Sleeper service to the continent.
The group, comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, will oversee the development of a study exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with extending sleeper rail services to the continent.
The work is being progressed as part of the Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to commission a feasibility study into options for a Caledonian Sleeper service to Europe.
Stephen Flynn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport said of the project: “We are 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.
He went on: “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 ministers later this year.
The news comes after it was announced that Caledonian Sleeper passengers would now be benefitting from discounted bus trips around Scotland.
