Sturgeon unveils new look Caledonian Sleeper at Inverness

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon marked the upcoming launch of the new Caledonian Sleeper train franchise on March 23, visiting the new-look Guest Service Centre in Inverness and unveiling the new franchise's 'white stag' brand. The overnight service will transfer from First ScotRail to Serco Caledonian Sleeper Service Ltd on March 31.

Sturgeon met with the design team that created the new interiors for the passenger lounges, as well as CS staff who have also been adorned with new uniforms. Sturgeon also unveiled the new name of DB Schenker 67004 Cairn Gorm at Inverness station, which has been repainted into the CS 'midnight teal' livery and which is set to operate on the service until the autumn when GB Railfreight Class 73s take over.

The lounge facility features soft furnishings and shower facilities by Edinburgh-based Ian Smith Designs. Contracts for the construction of 75 new carriages, making up four new trains, were signed with Spanish manufacturer CAF last month, with the design process now under way.

• For more on the launch of the new CS franchise, read the news story and exclusive six-page interview with CS Managing Director Peter Strachan in RAIL 771, published on April 1.