ScotRail is opening up some of Scotland’s most scenic areas to tourists, cycling fans, outdoor pursuits enthusiasts and local commuters with its new ScotRail Highland Explorer service. Three carriages, which are a first for their kind of the UK rail network, will operate along the world famous and iconic West Highland Line from Glasgow to Oban, allowing customers to escape to the country. Working with Transport Scotland, cycling groups and outdoor specialists, the design team at ScotRail came up with innovative solutions to accommodate up to 20 cycles and bulky sports gear.
The new carriages aim to encourage people to ditch their cars and use the train to get them out into the open air. The redesigned carriage boasts space for ordinary bikes, a limited number of tandem cycles and an e-bike charging socket – unique on a train in the UK. The carriage had a full interior and exterior refreshed including installation of free WiFi, at seat power points and USB sockets, and a refurbished toilet. The ScotRail Highland Explorer carriages will bring more people to the country’s rural communities, encouraging further travel throughout Scotland, and supporting local business in the great outdoors. The carriages will be added to a limited number of existing West Highland services to boost capacity.
The West Highland Line was chosen for the initial launch because of the access it provides to the rest of Scotland. Starting in Glasgow, the line takes passengers through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs to Oban. From here visitors can travel to majestic western isles such as Barra, Islay and Tiree. Handy ‘how to’ photos and written instructions will be available on ScotRail’s website giving a step-by-step guide to using the new cycle racks, whilst easy-to-follow diagrams will be available on board too, with staff on hand for assistance if required.
Customers must book their cycle’s space to guarantee its place on board. To support physical distancing the train operator will adopt the same approach as the rest of their network allowing customers to choose their seat once on board. In 2020, ScotRail released images of the exterior livery of the train, designed by Scottish artist, Peter McDermott. The eye-catching images depict typical Highland scenery along with some of the best-known landmarks along the West Highland Line, including the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct, Skye Cuillin mountain range, Ben Lomond, and the castle Loch Awe. The carriages were modified by Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock.
Alex Hynes, Manager Director at Scotland’s Railway said, “This is a landmark moment for lovers of Scotland’s great outdoors. For the first time in the UK, a train carriage will be able to accommodate up to 20 cycles which will allow more people than ever before to enjoy the majestic scenery this country has to offer.
“It’ll also be a welcome economic boost for rural communities, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihoods. I am delighted, and proud, that ScotRail is able to deliver this service, further enhancing the appeal of our world famous and iconic West Highland Line.”
Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport said, “The launch of this service marks a real step forward in encouraging an active lifestyle and tourism opportunities. By offering so many cycles spaces onboard trains which serve some of Scotland’s most scenic routes, we can help even more people get out of cars and into the great outdoors.
“At the same time, we are opening economic opportunities for local communities working hard to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. I’m sure cyclists and adventurers from across Scotland and beyond will look forward to using this unique service.”
