Late-night rail service on track for December debut

A SATURDAY night train service from Edinburgh to Dunbar is being launched later this year as part of ScotRail’s new winter timetable.

The new service, which will also call at Musselburgh, will swing into action from December 17 and is set to depart Edinburgh Waverley at 10.06pm.

The departure time is some three hours later than the current last train to Dunbar, provided by a separate rail company.

Councillor Paul McLennan, leader of East Lothian Council and Dunbar ward representative, said: “We welcome the new ScotRail service. The timing means people can enjoy Christmas shopping or festive celebrations without worrying about parking or designated drivers.”

The new service will operate initially for 12 months and be subject to review beyond December 2012.

An independent study concluded earlier this month that there was a “marginally positive case” for a dedicated local rail service between Edinburgh and Dunbar, provided a new station is opened at East Linton.