Overnight rail service Caledonian Sleeper paid tribute to the Scottish Bard on Friday (25 January) by inviting guests to enjoy an evening of traditional Burns Night celebrations.
Arranged in partnership with Newrest, a tailor-made catering and food service company, the event saw guests welcomed on board the Inverness to London service by a piper before a selection of complimentary canapés, including miniature haggis from Dingwall based Cockburn & Son, were served in the Lounge Car where guests relaxed whilst they travelled through the night.
A nip of Tomatin 12 year old single malt Scotch was also offered, with glasses raised in celebration of Robert Burns and his much-loved work. Featured on the current Caledonian Sleeper drinks menu, Tomatin is an award-winning distillery local to Inverness with a rich history dating back to 1897 which can be discovered at the brand’s visitor centre and gift shop in the Highlands.
Graham Kelly, Serco’s Guest Experience Director at Caledonian Sleeper, commented: “Burns Night is a special evening in the Scottish calendar and so we wanted to provide our guests with a memorable experience that would allow them to toast the famous bard.
“Not only was this event a celebration of one of the country’s most famous figures but also our traditions and great produce, with Newrest and Tomatin providing a mouth-watering sample of some of Scotland’s finest food and drink.”
The Burns Night celebration is the start of a calendar of on board events hosted by Caledonian Sleeper which will take place this year, including on the new trains which are due to be in operation by the end of May.
With kitchens in Edinburgh and London, Newrest, which is delivering all meals on board the current and new trains, will be at the centre of many of these events, offering guests a taste of Scotland as they travel across the border.
Peter Berkeley, Country Managing Director, UK, at Newrest, added: “We were very excited to kick start our relationship with Caledonian Sleeper with this great event. We’ve worked hard to create a menu of fresh produce with local suppliers which will be delivered on the current and new trains and the Burns Night event is a glimpse of this.
“We hope everyone on board enjoyed the evening and we look forward to creating more events for the coming months.”
To find out more about Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot.