Caledonian Sleeper’s first journey from the English West Midlands to the Scottish Highlands took place overnight on Thursday 15 January.

The service, which departed from Birmingham International and travelled to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness in Scotland

The new service, announced in October last year, marks the first time that Caledonian Sleeper has significantly expanded its timetable in more than thirty years.

Departing from Birmingham International gives passengers a convenient link by monorail to nearby Birmingham Airport.

To mark the first journey of the new service, Caledonian Sleeper arranged for a traditional Scottish performance by Lorne MacDougall, acclaimed bagpiper from Kintyre, Scotland.

One of the first passengers to board the train was Francis Bourgeois, the popular online train enthusiast. Bouregois travelled to Inverness.

Before this new service was introduced, passengers had limited options for direct travel between the West Midlands and the Highlands. Caledonian Sleeper therefore sees it as a move to help “close the travel gap”, pointing out that it gives Birmingham residents “easier access to Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventures, whisky trails and historic sites via a comfortable overnight journey”.

The operator adds that its new service is part of its wider strategy of growing to meet changing demands from passengers.

Passengers have a choice of private rooms on board Caledonian Sleeper service, or can take the cheaper seated coach option. Some private rooms have ensuite facilities.

Passengers can book their tickets for Sleeper services up to a year in advance of travel using the operator’s website, where they can also buy branded Caledonian Sleeper merchandise from the operator’s online shop.

“For the first time in more than 30 years we have an overnight rail service to the Highlands and that’s a real milestone for the region’s transport.

“It means people can once again enjoy the experience of closing their eyes in Birmingham and waking up refreshed in the breathtaking landscapes of northern Scotland.

“This is a world-class service that will strengthen ties between our regions and open up new opportunities for tourism and trade – helping to drive greater growth and prosperity.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands