Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the letter from Michael Taylor of Transport Scotland outlining Scottish Government plans to spend £100 million on the Caledonian Sleeper.

The letter was in response to accusations that the Scottish Government were not going to spend the full amount on the route.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I am glad that Transport Scotland have dispelled the myths that the Scottish Government were not going to use the full sum to improve the Caledonian Sleeper.

In the letter, Transport Scotland confirms that the full figure of £100 million will be spent on improvements to the rolling stock, station facilities and track infrastructure. The current estimate is that around 50% of this figure will be used to improve the rolling stock, although this figure is not set in stone. The letter also states that the Scottish Government remains open to proposals to spend more provided they can demonstrate value for money and deliver an improved service.

The decision on the precise allocation of the funding will be taken to ensure the best possible service, and the competitive refranchising process for a dedicated sleeper franchise will help secure best value from the substantial investment being made.

While the precise timetable will not be available until the refranchising process is complete, the Scottish Government will expect the improvement of the sleeper vehicles to take place as soon as possible and certainly within the first three years of the next sleeper franchise.

Adding to this, Dave said: “As a frequent commuter by train, it is clear that any significant investment must not only improve rolling stock, but also ensure that the infrastructure and station facilities are improved in parallel.

“For the sleeper service, station facilities such as toilets and showers are particularly important, and it is great to see that this substantial investment will be used to improve all aspects of the sleeper service.”