New Caledonian sleeper trains. Credit: Serco.

The first batch of the new Caledonian Sleeper trains has arrived in the outskirts of Glasgow in Scotland.

The new vehicles are currently being built by CAF in Spain at a cost of nearly £100m and are expected to enter commercial service in October.

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A total of five carriages were delivered as part of the first batch, which are set to undergo extensive testing over the coming months.

The carriages reached Scotland via the Channel Tunnel from the Velim Test Centre in the Czech Republic following the completion of mandatory trials.

"The arrival of the first trains to Scotland for testing is a major milestone and one that brings us closer to their introduction from October of this year."

The contract covers the delivery of 75 carriages to rail operator Serco, which received the franchise on behalf of the Scottish Government in April 2015.

Serco Caledonian Sleeper chairman Peter Strachan said: “We believe the new Caledonian Sleeper trains will truly set a new standard in overnight travel and we have worked closely with Transport Scotland on their development since taking over the franchise in 2015.”

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The new trains are initially slated to operate along the ‘Lowlander’ route between London and Glasgow / Edinburgh.

Scotland Minister for Transport and Islands Humza Yousaf said: “The introduction of new rolling stock, with features new to UK railways, can only enhance its reputation.

“The arrival of the first trains to Scotland for testing is a major milestone and one that brings us closer to their introduction from October of this year.”

The new fleet is intended to provide more comfortable journeys for both business and leisure travel passengers and will feature improved seats, classic twin or single rooms, club rooms (twin or single with en-suite) and suites (double bed with en-suite), in addition to Wi-Fi, changing panels and other service amenities.

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