Virgins new Virgin Azuma trains have had a test run into the highlands of Scotland this weekend as they prepare to transform the cross-border service.

Azuma, meaning East in Japan, will launch next year.

The test run was run by Azuma’s manufacturer, Hitachi, to prepare for the launch of the 65 strong fleet in December 2018.

Virgin has invested £18 million to modernise depots at Aberdeen, Inverness, and Edinburgh to ensure they are able to service the new trains.

Half hourly services will be operated throughout the day. Four additional services will run to Aberdeen and one train a day to Stirling, Perth, and Inverness.

What did the officials say?

UK Government Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “We want to put passengers at the heart of everything we do and the £5.7bn government-led investment in a new fleet of state-of-the-art intercity trains is an important step in achieving that. This test run is a key milestone in the introduction of the fleet on the East Coast Main Line and it will mean more space, more comfort and more reliability for passengers up and down the country.”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands in Scotland, said: “It is very encouraging to see the new Virgin Azuma train visit Inverness, moving it another step closer to service introduction. The new fleet will offer cross-border passengers more capacity and the modern facilities we all now demand. The Scottish Government’s £5bn investment in the rail network is making a real difference across the country and I know developments like this make train travel a more attractive choice across the North and East of Scotland. This, in turn, can help drive the modal shift to rail as a regular option we are all keen to see delivered.”

David Horne, Virgin Trains Managing Director on the east coast route, added: “Azuma will bring a new era of style in long-distance rail travel and we’re excited to see preparations gather pace that will help transform services for passengers across Scotland.”

Andy Rogers, Programme Director for Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “Our rigorous test programme is moving apace ahead of the trains entering service next year. Over the next twelve months, passengers and enthusiasts will be seeing plenty more of our British-built Azuma trains testing in Scotland.”

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