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HEADING to London last weekend, I snapped up a cheap berth on the Caledonian Sleeper.
For as long as anyone can remember, you’ve been able to save a considerable sum by agreeing to cohabit a two-bunk compartment with a stranger of the same gender. Often you end up on your own nonetheless — a relief if you’re not in the mood for small talk.
Andrew Marr often recalls travelling up for his interview for his first job at the Scotsman, sharing with a man in shorts and semmit who kindly shared his 24 cans of Special Brew and supersize cigarette cartons.
But with swanky new carriages replacing the 1980s stock that currently works the route, sharing will soon be a thing of the past. And so the cost of the cheapest sleeper ticket is set to jump.
Serco, which runs the sleeper, rightly makes a song and dance of its romantic history and stunning views. But they should not forget the more harum-scarum side of its history, and the fantastic thrill of chance encounters.
