Scotrail to operate charity HST Santa trains to Boat of Garten and Fife

SCOTRAIL is to operate its own ‘Santa Specials’ on the main line in the lead up to Christmas.

The trains are a partnership between ScotRail and the Railway Children charity which will benefit from all ticket sales. ScotRail staff are donating the presents for the children to receive on the train. The Branch Line Society has also been involved with the trains.

The first of three HST ‘Santas’ will run on December 4, from Edinburgh Waverley to Boat of Garten, home of the Strathspey Railway. Departure from the Scottish Capital is at 08.58, with an arrival at Boat of Garten at 12.24. Returning to Edinburgh, departure is at 13.23 and arrival back at Waverley is 16.46. There will also be performances from a magician on this train. Ticket prices are £30 per child, £60 per adult and £160 for a family.

Then on Saturdays 11 and 18 December, a morning and afternoon ‘Santa’ will run on each day, leaving Edinburgh Waverley and travelling around the Fife Circle line. First trip departs Edinburgh 10.15 and arrives back at 12.00, while the second trip departs Edinburgh 13.16 and arrives back at 15.04. Ticket prices for this train start from £12.50 for a standard child and £25 for a standard adult. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £65.

The trains will be decorated internally in a festive manner.

In line with current policy in Scotland, face coverings will be mandatory in all ScotRail stations, covered and open air, and on board trains.

■ As we closed for press, it is understood all three trains had sold out.

ROBERT FALCONER LSL’s ‘Scot’ 4-6-0 No. 46100 Royal Scot is spotlit by the sun as it emerges from the darkness of Milford Tunnel as the clouds loom on the way to Buxton with Saphos Trains’‘Buxton Spa Express’ railtour on September 29.

GRAEME ELGAR In preparation for the charity ‘Santa Specials’, on a dreich September 22, Scotrail HST with power cars Nos. 43163 and 43150 arrive at Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway with a trial run from Inverness, passing stabled Class 27 No. D5394.