A working group has met for the first time to prepare a feasibility study examining the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe.

The group, comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, will explore the ‘technical and commercial opportunities and challenges associated with extending sleeper rail services to the continent’.

The Scottish Government had committed itself in its last manifesto to look at such a scheme.

Cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said: ‘We committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe and I am pleased that this work is now underway.

‘The establishment of this working group marks an important first step in delivering that commitment and will help ensure the feasibility study is informed by the expertise of our rail partners.

‘This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.’

The group is expected to report its findings to Ministers later this year.

The original Channel Tunnel plans in the 1980s had included sleepers from regional destinations to the continent, branded ‘Night Star’, but although a fleet was built the plans were abandoned in the face of competition from budget airlines.

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