SCOTRAIL has announced plans to replace its aging high speed (HST) intercity trains, with modern sets expected to enter service from 2027.

The Scottish government-owned company has awarded a contract for 22 new class 222 trains to Beacon, with Alstom signed-up to provide technical support, spares and maintenance services.

The trains will undergo an £80 million refurbishment — backed by £67m of Scottish government cash — before entering service between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness with a fresh livery and wi-fi with low Earth orbit satellite connectivity, as well as more space for bikes and pushchairs. 

ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire hailed it as “fantastic news for our customers and our staff,” while Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “Resilient, reliable ScotRail services are key to encouraging more people to choose to travel by train.

“This contract award takes our ambitions a step further.”

Train drivers’ union Aslef welcomed an upgrade they had long campaigned for, but executive council representative for Scotland Jim Baxter also called for a rethink on the “PFI-light” model adopted to replace the rest of ScotRail’s fleet.

He said: “Our union is proud of the role we continue to play in fighting for railway services that meet the needs of workers and passengers alike. 

“Pushing for the procurement and delivery of better trains to replace HSTs is an example of this commitment.

“That is why we urge ScotRail and the Scottish government to use public financing and green bonds to replace the rest of the ageing fleet in the future. 

“It is vital that passengers and the public purse more broadly get the best value possible. 

“Only by finally ridding our rails services of profiteering will we achieve this once and for all.”