SLEEPER:
There are three sleeper services operating in the UK in 2006. These are The Night Riviera, operated by First Great Western between Paddington and Penzance and the two Caledonian sleepers which are run by First Scotrail between Euston and the Scottish destinations of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.
The Highland Sleeper leaves Euston at 2115 each evening apart from Saturday, calling to pick up passengers at Watford Junction, Crewe and Preston. On reaching Edinburgh (where no boarding or disembarking is allowed) the train splits into three sections. These then continue as separate trains to Aberdeen (0737), Inverness (0830), and Fort William (0943).
The Aberdeen train has further stops at Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Leuchars, Dundee, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven.
The Inverness train stops at Falkirk Grahamston, Stirling, Dunblane, Gleneagles, Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie and Aviemore.
The Fort William train stops at Westerton, Dalmuir, Helensburgh Upper, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui (on request), Crianlarich, Upper Tyndrum, Bridge of Orchy, Rannoch, Corour (on request), Tulloch, Roy Bridge (on request) and Spean Bridge.
The Lowland Sleeper leaves Euston two and a half hours after its Highland compatriot at 2345 each evening (except Saturday) with a stop at Watford Junction to pick up and further stops at Carlisle and Carstairs where passengers can disembark. At Carstairs the train then splits into two sections with the front portion continuing to Glasgow Central, with an intermediate stop at Motherwell, and the rear portion heading for Edinburgh Waverley.
The following photographs show the various sleeper services in operation.
June 2006.
John Furnevel