First ScotRail: former routes and current operators
First ScotRail was FirstGroup’s Scottish passenger rail operation from 2004 to 2015. It covered the daytime ScotRail network and, until the 2015 separation, the Caledonian Sleeper overnight services.
Reviewed 6 November 2026.
Operator history and changes
First ScotRail took over from National Express in October 2004. The operation combined busy Central Belt and Glasgow-area trains with intercity, Highland and rural routes. Its geography was much wider than a single Edinburgh–Glasgow service, and the two principal Glasgow terminals served different parts of the network.
Transport Scotland records the FirstGroup franchise ending on 31 March 2015. From April 2015, ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper were operated under separate arrangements, with Abellio taking the daytime franchise and Serco the sleeper. ScotRail subsequently moved into public ownership in 2022. First ScotRail is therefore a former operator name, while both ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper remain relevant current passenger brands.
Former routes and principal stations
Historical Central Belt and regional network
First ScotRail ran commuter and regional services linking the main Scottish population centres and surrounding communities. The examples span several routes.
Historical longer-distance and overnight services
The former franchise also included Highland and northern journeys and the London sleeper operation. Current sleeper booking and service information is separate from ScotRail.
Travelling on these routes today
Use current ScotRail journey information for daytime services, and Caledonian Sleeper for an overnight London journey. When planning a scenic or rural route, check the return service and any necessary connection rather than relying on a First ScotRail-era itinerary. For Glasgow connections, establish whether the journey stays at one terminal or requires a transfer between Central and Queen Street.
Tickets and journey choices
First ScotRail offers and published sleeper prices are archived. Current rail tickets, reservations and sleeping accommodation have their own conditions. If comparing an overnight journey with a daytime connection, check what accommodation is included and how each part of the itinerary is booked; the former common franchise does not imply one current product.
Accessibility and assistance
Request assistance from the present operator and review current station access information. A rural platform, a busy city terminal and a sleeper berth require different practical checks. Include every connecting train and any transfer between stations, and confirm arrangements for replacement transport if engineering work affects the route.
Sources and further information
Use the current operator's information to check the latest timetable, disruption and assistance arrangements for your travel date.