SNP might as well be ambitious for the Caledonian Sleeper to boldly go where no Sleeper has been before

Actor Sam Heughan unveils a Caledonian Sleeper train's Outlander-inspired decorations in London's Euston station earlier this year (Picture: David Parry Media Assignments) | PA

The SNP in government have had, we feel it’s fair to say, a somewhat disappointing track record when it comes to transport – taking an age to build a couple of ferries for state-owned CalMac and an aeon (or something like that) to try to dual the A9 from Perth to Inverness.

However, undaunted, they’ve now come up with another big idea. Please try to contain your growing excitement, but what if the state-owned Caledonian Sleeper didn’t just go to London?

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What if it was to venture onto the Continent? Imagine, going to sleep in Edinburgh and waking up in the centre of Paris with a croissant and cocoa! Our ambitious Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn explains: “We committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe and I am pleased that this work is now under way.” There is a “high-level feasibility study”, no less.

Sounds tremendous, although whether it will happen in any of our lifetimes is a whole different question. However, while we’re dreaming, why stop in Paris, why not Venice, Istanbul, the Moon, Mars, infinity and beyond!?