ScotRail announces second summer of steam on Borders Railway

Last updated: Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated return of ScotRail steam services on the Borders Railway, beginning on Sunday 7 August.

Following the success of last year’s sell-out trips, on Sundays during August and September, customers are being offered the chance to travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank and back, all in the comfort of a beautifully refurbished vintage carriage.

August’s trips will be hauled by 46100 Royal Scot, and September’s will see the return of the popular 60009 Union of South Africa on the Borders Railway.

These journeys are offered in partnership with Steam Dreams, and two trips will run every Sunday from 7 August until 25 September.

Tickets will be priced at £150 for first class tickets (includes gourmet dining experience in a private compartment), £130 for premier dining tickets (includes meal in first class carriage), and £55 for standard class tickets.

ScotRail has also partnered with local Scottish Borders companies to offer add-on passenger excursions upon arrival in Tweedbank.

Cathy Craig, Commercial Director for the ScotRail Alliance, said: “It is with great pleasure that we’re announcing the return of steam services to the Borders Railway.

“These journeys give people a chance to appreciate the new Borders Railway from the wonderful setting of a vintage steam train. This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the line, and in such a romantic style.

“Not many train journeys can match the outstanding scenery on this route, and I look forward to seeing how successful these trips will be.”

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Fiona Hyslop said: “It’s fantastic that 2016 will see the return of these iconic trains to the Scottish Borders Railway. After their sell out season last year the opportunity to visit Abbotsford and other attractions in the area shows the prospects for different sectors to work together to grow the tourism economy of the Scottish Borders.”

For more information on ScotRail’s steam services, please visit www.scotrail.co.uk/steam-trains

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “I am delighted to see the return of the steam train trips to the Borders Railway.

“The trips were extremely successful last year with thousands of people visiting the Borders thanks to the journeys. I am pleased a number of local companies will be involved in 2016 to build on this success.

“With the tremendous Flying Scotsman day last month, the Borders Railway is now becoming one of the great scenic rail journeys to experience.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Burns, said: “These trips will give those travelling on the newly-reopened Borders Railway a unique perspective on the beautiful landscape between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

“Since its launch, the new railway has proven its popularity amongst commuters, visitors and holiday-makers alike, and steam trains will enable summer travellers to discover what’s on offer in Edinburgh and elsewhere along the route in style.”

Danny Cusick, Chair of the Borders Railway Blueprint Leaders Group, said: “Following a hugely successful inaugural steam train experience last year, we are delighted that this year will see an even better and enhanced steam train experience for the Borders Railway.

“World-famous steam trains will allow passengers to see one of the world’s most beautiful and scenic railway routes in classic style, and we’re confident that this will attract visitors from all over the world to the area to experience a truly wonderful journey and the very best of what Scotland has to offer.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “The Borders Railway opened last September and has already provided a real boost to Scottish tourism and the wider economy with hundreds of thousands of passengers making the journey and experiencing the great variety of attractions and businesses on the route.

“To have steam train journeys available again this summer for visitors and residents alike is brilliant news. It really is a chance for passengers to step back in time and enjoy the beautiful countryside on another level as these majestic locomotives make their way through Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Two trips will be offered on Sundays 7, 14, 21, 28 August and 4, 11, 18, 25 September.

First class tickets include a glass of prosecco or orange juice on arrival and an on-board gourmet dining experience, all in the comfort of a private compartment.

Premier dining tickets include dining experience in first class carriage.

A buffet facility will be available for those with standard class tickets.

Carriages are provided by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS).

Royal Scot (August trips) will haul four first class and four standard class carriages.

Union of South Africa (September trips) will haul three first class and three standard class carriages.

Add-on passenger excursions will be available with:

Abbotsford House
Selkirk Means Business
Seasons Restaurant, Melrose
Rabbies
Telfords Coaches

Tickets can be purchased from Steam Dreams by calling their booking office on 01483 209 888

(open 09:00 – 17:30 on weekdays) or by visiting their website: www.steamdreams.co.uk

A direct link to the booking page for the above Borders Railway steam services can be found via www.scotrail.co.uk/steam-trains