Twilight Train Spotting |

A photographer who spent two years capturing incredible images of the Caledonian Sleeper from the skies of Scotland’s most remote locations, has seen his epic portfolio turned into a stunning calendar.

Stephen Sweeney went to extraordinary lengths to capture the Caledonian Sleeper out in the wild. Setting out in the dead of night, he took atmospheric drone images of the train as it passed through dramatic locations including the Highlands and the rugged east coast.

The result is an epic collection of 12 strikingly beautiful images that each capture the changing seasons, and the jaw-dropping journey the unique overnight train service makes six nights a week, all contained in the Sleeper’s first ever calendar, as part of its Christmas 2026 range.

Stephen, who is based in Glasgow, has described the project as a ‘genuine joy’ as he worked the most remarkable twilight shifts, with some starting at 3AM to get into position for the train’s arrival to cinematic settings.

From a first snap at sunrise in Rannoch, in the West Highlands, in 2024 to a hazy summer morning as the train passed along North Sea coastal cliffs in Angus in August of this year, Stephen meticulously planned every single shot along with the Caledonian Sleeper team.

“Spending time out in different Scottish landscapes, looking for those moments where the train and the environment come together, has been a genuine joy,” Stephen said.

“I feel very lucky to be able to call Scotland home, and this project has been a wonderful reminder of just how much there is to discover on our doorstep. It shows how truly unique the Caledonian Sleeper is, the journey it takes is truly magical.”

“When it came to carrying out the actual shots it was a case of parking up and waiting. 

“There were some times I could hear the first sounds of the train arriving in the distance, from the noise of the tracks. It was quite incredible; I would be waiting and then it would all be over within 20 seconds.

“It was a surreal experience, being stood in these cinematic locations whilst everyone, including the passengers on the train, was sound asleep.

“It was just me and my camera, surrounded by the Scottish wildlife. It felt so calm and peaceful and then you’d suddenly see the train appear out of nowhere.”

Stephen had the assistance of Patrick Jordan, in-house graphic designer at Caledonian Sleeper, who took the reins as project manager for the calendar shoot and helped capture the perfect moments. The duo tackled all the Scottish weather had to offer to make sure they were in the right place at the right time.

Stephen said: “All the shots were meticulously planned to minimise any serious challenges. There was a lot to consider, mainly the Scottish weather and some of the shots being taken in the depths of winter. I had to make sure I timed it perfectly, then we used Google Earth to find out how the light would fall at the exact time of day the train was due to pass.”

He added: “There were also some wonderful, unexpected moments. One early morning at Rannoch, I heard the call of a pheasant - something that I’d never heard before.

“It was totally surreal to hear it, in the stillness of the early morning. Seeing eagles and other birds of prey in the Cairngorms was another real highlight.”

Of the 12 images to make the Caledonian Sleeper 2027 calendar, Stephen is most fond of a select few when he brought his dad along to experience the majestic process.

“I love all the images, but March, May and November hold a special place in my heart,” Stephen continued.

“I brought my dad along with me to create these, and it was a special couple of days together.”

Eagle-eyed fans will also spot the Sleeper’s epic “Outlander” wrap in one of the calendar months, after the train celebrated the final season of the hit TV show earlier this summer.

The calendar is now available to buy as part of Caledonian Sleeper’s 2026 Christmas range.

The exclusive range includes Caledonian Sleeper’s 2026 Christmas Jumper; a homage to the iconic cross-border overnight service and features many nods to the Sleeper, including the mighty Class 92 and Class 73 locos. £5 from each jumper sold will go towards The Railway Children charity too.

A matching festive Bobble Hat will also see £2 of each sale going to The Railway Children, and perfect tree decorations in the form of a Christmas Bauble hand painted in the unique Sleeper tartan are available for purchase too.

Steven Marshall, Caledonian Sleeper’s Head of Sales & Marketing said: “The calendar has captured Scotland in all its beauty and helped show exactly why the Sleeper is the most unique overnight railway service.

“Every month is as strikingly beautiful as the next and captures all the seasons fantastically well, showing what a joy travelling in the Sleeper is all-year-round.

“We know it will be a huge hit this year along with our excellent Christmas range which features our limited edition Caledonian Sleeper Christmas jumper, bobble hat and hand painted Sleeper tartan Christmas baubles.”

The full Caledonian Sleeper Christmas Range is available here and individual pricing information is below. www.sleepersouvenirs.scot

2027 Caledonian Sleeper Calendar - £15.95 

Features 12 scenic images of the Caledonian Sleeper out “in the wild” in scenic landscapes of Scotland.
 
Sleeper Tartan Hand Painted Christmas Bauble - £19.95

Made from glass and hand painted with the Sleeper’s unique tartan, as well as the iconic stag logo on 2 sides. The bauble also comes in a special branded keepsake box.

Caledonian Sleeper 2026 Christmas Jumper 2026 - £45.95

Completely new design created by Caledonian Sleeper’s in-house designer. For every jumper sold, a £5 donation will be made to The Railway Children, who help vulnerable children at transport hubs at home and abroad.

Caledonian Christmas Bobble Hat - £24.95 

Echoes the design of the Christmas Jumper and is the first time Caledonian Sleeper has sold a Christmas bobble hat. £2 from each hat will be donated to The Railway Children.