Caledonian Sleeper could become a wedding procession

The Caledonian Sleeper could be chartered to bring wedding parties to the Highlands, bosses have revealed.

Innovative new plans could see the trains operating on Saturday evenings when they are not in passenger service.

Traditionally, the Sleeper does not operate on Saturdays due to lack of demand, as most passengers taking weekend trips travel on Fridays and Sundays.

Managing director Kathryn Darbandi said the idea followed a woman who booked most of a sleeper service for a 50th birthday celebration last year.

Ms. Darbandi took over management of the Sleeper last year after holding managerial positions at travel companies such as Tui and Thomas Cook.

She said she’s keen to take full advantage of the new fleet, launched in 2019, which includes double beds and ensuite showers.

Ms Darbandi added: “It gives us an opportunity on a Saturday night to possibly reflect on events and charter the train for something else.

“We have to think it through carefully, but I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s a sky blue thought idea that I think we’ll get to at some point.

“We did a really successful trial last year where a lady took almost the entire train for her 50th birthday.

“We had bagpipes that got everyone on the platform and on the train – the feedback was great.

“She was incredibly positive about the experience and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think there are many such opportunities.

“We hope to offer great transport for weddings to the Highlands. There are many opportunities like this in the future.”

Two Sleeper trains currently operate six nights a week.

The Lowlander operates between London, Edinburgh and Glasgow and splits at Carstairs. The Highlander connects London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness and splits at Edinburgh.

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