New-look Caledonian Sleeper pays tribute to hit TV show Outlander

The iconic Caledonian Sleeper rail service has unveiled a striking new look to a number of its coaches in celebration of Sony Pictures Television’s hit global franchise Outlander.

The visual takeover, which marks Outlander’s deep connection to Scotland, aims to inspire fans of the show to come visit the filming locations for themselves.

Caledonian Sleeper’s first visual activation showcases some of Outlander’s most iconic moments that were filmed in Scotland and are loved by audiences around the world.

Outlander will embark on a fresh adventure, transporting guests from London and Birmingham to the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.

Scottish actor Sam Heughan, who played 18th-century warrior Jamie Fraser, was at London Euston to unveil the train, created in collaboration with national tourism and events organisation, VisitScotland, and Sony Pictures Television.

The Sassenach, Sam Heughan’s whisky, will be introduced on board this summer as part of the new Outlander inspired menu. The launch will see the Sleeper serve the whisky alongside a menu of dishes infused with the premium blended whisky, including The Sassenach Chicken Balmoral and The Sassenach Bread & Butter pudding, bringing a taste of Scotland to guests.

A total of four coaches will be wrapped showcasing six striking designs featuring recognisable moments from the show, from Jamie and Claire Fraser sharing a moment, to the famous standing stones of Craigh Na Dun, alongside the rousing message to all: “Discover Scotland, Home of Outlander.

The wraps will feature on the Caledonian Sleeper for a limited time, inviting fans to step into the world of Outlander as they dream their way to over 35 destinations in Scotland six nights a week from London and now Birmingham onboard the iconic overnight train with a heritage dating back more than 150 years.

Outlander has played a significant role in Scotland’s screen tourism boom, which has generated an estimated £161.4 million* for the economy.

Around one in five visitors are inspired to travel to Scotland by films, TV and literature, with Outlander cited most by visitors, according to VisitScotland.

Sam Heughan said: “The Caledonian Sleeper is such an iconic train, so to see the show brought to life in this way is both exciting and surreal.

“There’s something uniquely special about travelling through Scotland by train. It captures the romance, adventure and beauty that is synonymous with the show and is a fitting way to celebrate “Outlander’s” connection to Scotland.

“Through ventures like Sassenach Spirits and the development of Galloway Distillery, celebrating Scotland’s culture, craftsmanship and storytelling continues to be deeply personal to me.

“Collaborating on an Outlander inspired menu onboard featuring The Sassenach has been a meaningful way to extend the world of Outlander beyond the screen and into the journey itself.”

Graham Kelly, Caledonian Sleeper’s managing director, said: “We’re excited to unveil the first-ever wrap of the Caledonian Sleeper, and Outlander is the dream fit.

“We’re proud to champion Scotland across every part of the Sleeper experience, from on-board design details to the local products our guests love, and this collaboration builds on that.

“Like the show, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a sense of journey through time, whisking guests from the bustling cities of London and Birmingham to the serenity of the north of Scotland and our iconic cities such as Edinburgh and Inverness where history comes to life. 

“With Scotland just a sleep away, Outlander fans can follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie and experience the places that have made Outlander so iconic. We’re delighted to be working alongside VisitScotland, Sony Pictures Television and The Sassenach to bring that journey to life.”

Pictured from left to right: Vicki Miller, chief executive Visit Scotland; Sam Heughan; Graham Kelly, managing director of Caledonian Sleeper; and Jackie Robertson - rail management lead Scottish Rail Holdings.