ScotRail has reached another important milestone in its plan to build “the best railway Scotland has ever had”, with the first Inter7City high-speed train — based on refurbished diesel HST trains — entering service for customers.

The Inter7City train, running initially between Aberdeen and Edinburgh (from Monday 15 October), is the first of the ‘iconic’ upgraded high-speed trains that will connect Scotland’s seven cities. Key features of the new trains, which will help to deliver ScotRail’s improved timetable from 9 December, include: more seats, increased luggage space, at-seat power sockets, more toilets and better on-board hospitality.

ScotRail Alliance managing director (www.abellio.com) Alex Hynes said: “This is another major milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had. The investment we are making in these iconic trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance’s commitment to building a bigger and better railway for the whole of Scotland.”

Michael Matheson — Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity — said: “ScotRail and Wabtec, its supplier, say they remain focused on ensuring that the full fleet is in service as quickly and efficiently as possible, so even more passengers will soon benefit from faster trains that have the latest standard of comfort, accessibility and catering provision.

"The boost in seating provision will help support the overall 23% increase in capacity being delivered during 2019, as rail travel continues to grow in popularity.”