George Osborne saves the Sleeper

Transport Scotland has grudgingly decided to match-fund the Caledonian Sleeper service.

In the Rail 2014 Consultation document, released on November 15th 2011, Transport Scotland discussed reducing or even removing some of the sleeper services.

In the UK Chancellor's Autumn Statement, George Osborne offered £50 million to upgrade the service if this was matched or bettered by the Scottish Government.

Today we have seen a commitment to make this happen.

Scottish Conservative Leader, Ruth Davidson, said:

"I am pleased that Transport Scotland has stepped up to the mark on this issue and followed George Osborne's lead to invest in this hugely important service."

"Now that the rolling stock will be substantially upgraded I hope Transport Scotland and the SNP will reject any suggestions to downgrade or scrap sleeper services.

"This investment is great news for the Scottish Economy and for all those in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness areas who benefit from this service."

In Transport Scotland's 'Rail 2014' document, it states in paragraph 11.12:

"We are considering a number of options for the future provision of sleeper services, for instance: removing or increasing financial support; and reducing the provision, either through removing the Highland or Lowland service, or by running the Lowland service to and from Edinburgh only."

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