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ScotRail have teamed up with Santa himself to support Railway Children!

This December, ScotRail will be running their very own Santa Express for Rail Aid, the rail industry fundraising initiative in support of Railway Children. The Santa Express will be dressed up to the nines in Christmas cheer, and Santa himself will be taking a break from his festive preparations at the North Pole to join us on board, handing out presents to all the children.

Rail Aid was launched in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which in 2020 and 2021 has forced the cancellation of our biggest annual fundraiser, the Railway Ball.

The impact of the pandemic on vulnerable young people has made our work more vital than ever. Rail Aid, dubbed ‘the railway’s answer to Children In Need’, has called on the rail industry to fundraise in support of our life-saving work.

ScotRail has answered that call in style, and all proceeds of their fantastic Santa Express trips will come to Railway Children. David Simpson, ScotRail Operations Director, said: “We are delighted to be launching Christmas 2021 with Santa and the Railway Children charity. It’ll be great to see the faces of all the children, and maybe the parents too, when Father Christmas hands out presents to them on the train. These Santa Express trains will be a brilliant addition to the festive fun in the lead up to the big day."

The first Santa Express will leave the famous Edinburgh Waverley station on Saturday, 4 December at 08.58, taking in a section of the heritage railway line. From there the Santa train will continue along the Strathspey Railway – a restored section of the original Highland Railway – through the stunning Cairngorms scenery to Boat of Garten, before eventually heading back to Edinburgh.

On 11 and 18 December, the Santa Express will leave Edinburgh Waverley and travel around the Fife Circle line. On both of these dates there will be a Santa Express train each morning, and another in the afternoon.

The journey on the Santa Express promises to be truly magical, especially the chance to meet Santa and chat to him before the big day! 

Railway Children’s CEO Terina Keene said: “Thank you so much to ScotRail for supporting us with this lovely, festive event. It should be a brilliant experience for everyone and a great start to the Christmas season at the same time as raising funds to help us reach vulnerable children and families around the world.” 

Ticket prices for the Fife Circle special start at £12.50 for a child and £25 for an adult, with a family ticket for two adults and two children costing £65.

Tickets for the Boat of Garten Santa Express are £30 per child, £60 per adult and £160 for a family ticket.

Tickets for the Santa Express are likely to be as popular as mince pies and mulled wine, so to avoid disappointment book your tickets now! ​

Purchase tickets or find out more here >