Disappointment as new trains on Highland route delayed again

Caledonian Sleeper is to delay the launch of its new trains on the Highland service to support another route.

The company said the trains, which feature carriages with double beds, will probably be introduced in September on the Highland route between London and Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.

The latest eight new carriages – due to be accepted into service in days – will be diverted to support the lowland route between London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, which the company said is experiencing high levels of demand.

The new fleet, built for £150 million, launched at the end of April and had been due to be rolled out on the Highland route over the ensuing weeks.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s managing director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We are disappointed to be announcing this further delay but it is undoubtedly the correct decision and will allow us to improve the reliability and resilience of the Lowlander fleet and maintain capacity on the Highland route.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “This latest delay is unacceptable. It is disappointing many customers are as yet unable to fully enjoy the benefits of the new on-board facilities, particularly as bookings have increased.

“While the Caledonian Sleeper team are working to correct train faults, the manufacturer CAF’s inability to supply suitable trains leaves no other option than for service entry to be postponed.”

Guests who have already booked on a Highland service from July 7/8 onwards who still wish to travel and have booked one of the new accommodation options will be refunded the difference in cost.

If they no longer wish to go they can get a full refund or rebook a later date.

The launch of new Caledonian Sleeper trains for the company’s Highland service has been put on hold.