Who will be at the wheel of the Caledonian Sleeper later this year? Six things you need to know
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Speculation is growing over who will operate the Caledonian Sleeper rail service between Inverness, the strath and London from this summer.
It is currently operated by Serco but the Scottish Government is terminating the contract in June – seven years early. But with a decision yet to be announced on a future operator, concerns have been raised.
What you need know:
1. It's the UK's longest overnight train journey
Every night except Saturday, the Caledonian Sleeper trains directly connect London with towns and cities in Scotland, including Inverness, Fort William and Aberdeen.
Six mornings a week, a piece of Scotland rolls into London while coming the other way passengers can enjoy their porridge or a full Scottish breakfast as they pass the Cairngorms before arriving at the end of the line in the Highland capital – 444 miles and about 12 hours after leaving London.
2. What makes it special?
Whether you are a backpacker or a business leader, it can be a convenient way to travel with options ranging from the basic (a seat) to three different styles of cabins including an en suite double (compact, nevertheless).
Whether you get a decent night's sleep is another matter.
As a solo traveller, I've had interesting conversations sharing a compartment with a total stranger, or listened to someone snoring in the bunk below.
But don't take my word for it. The ultimate rail traveller, Man in Seat 61, describes it as the most civilised, romantic, time-effective and environmentally-friendly way to travel between central London and the heart of Scotland, for a weekend in the Highlands or business meeting in London.
3. Who's at the wheel?
Since March 2015, the £800 million sleeper franchise has been operated by Serco – also known for running detention centres, escorting prisoners and providing military satellite communication support services.
A clause in the contract, which had been due to run until 2030, allowed Serco to present alternative financial arrangements to the Scottish Government after seven years.
Serco said the contract had been loss-making and hoped to revise the terms to put the service on a more sustainable footing.
But Scotland’s transport minister, Jenny Gilruth, announced in October that Serco’s proposals had been rejected on the grounds of not representing value for money to the public and the contract would be terminated on June 25 2023 – although she stressed Serco was running a broadly good service.
4. Who will take over?
Initially, the SNP said terminating the contract presented an opportunity for the sleeper service to be nationalised.
But Ms Gilruth now maintains Scottish ministers have to work within the constraints of UK rail legislation.
The options now being considered are the direct award of new agreement, or an operator of last resort – a business which would operate the service on behalf of the government.
She has ruled out putting the franchise out to tender saying prevailing conditions in the current UK rail market would not sustain that option.
5. Nationalisation versus new contract
With a decision yet to be announced, a lively political debate is ongoing.
Supporters of nationalising the service argue it would stop public money going to fund private profits. Instead, profits would be channelled back into the network to the benefit of passengers and the public.
The Inverness and District Trades Council has added its voice to the debate.
It is concerned the uncertainty could impact on the already fragile post-covid Highland economy and called on the Scottish Government to leave no stone unturned in its attempt to bring the sleepers into public ownership.
But others query whether nationalisation would deliver a better service for passengers, staff or Scotland’s taxpayers.
There is also the question that if there is a loss, the public purse would foot the bill.
Inverness economist Tony Mackay has previously voiced his concerns at the axing of the deal.
6. Can I find out more?
Go to What was said in Parliament to read the Holyrood debate about the Caledonian Sleeper.
Scotland's transport minister is aware that June is fast approaching and will update Parliament in the coming weeks on the new proposed delivery model.
