- Transport Scotland said 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.
- Comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings, and Caledonian Sleeper, the group will oversee the development of the study, exploring ways that the service could be extended to the continent.
- The study has been launched as part of the Scottish government’s manifesto commitment. The manifesto said it would look at options to run the Caledonian Sleeper from Scotland and through the Channel Tunnel.
- It comes after a similar project, “Nightstar”, was proposed in the mid-1990s but was eventually scrapped.
- Cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said: “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.”
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