Perth & Kinross Council and the Perth City Development Board have welcomed the opening of the new £1.6 million guest lounge and training facilities at Perth Railway Station.

The new facilities, for travellers and staff on the Caledonian Sleeper service to London Euston, have been created in an until-recently disused part of the station and are set alongside an auditorium, conference room and office space, which it is planned will be made available to local groups to use as a meeting space.

Welcoming the opening, Councill Leader Murray Lyle, said: "This is an excellent step forward for Perth. Not only does it improve facilities for rail passengers and staff on the sleeper service to London, it also has real potential in terms of aspects of the Perth City Development Plan – both to enhance Perth Railway Station and to add an additional meeting/conference venue to the city centre. Investment of this type in Perth is a clear sign of confidence in the city's future growth and development."


Steven Stewart, of Perth City Development Board, added: "This is another vote of confidence in Perth as an excellent strategic location for investment and the new facilities will help deliver a high quality travel experience for visitors to the city.

"Promoting and enhancing Perth's connectivity is a key priority for the City Development Board. As well as being a key rail hub with good access by road and air, Perth has the digital connectivity which is vital to skills development and the growth of our SMEs.

"There is huge potential to attract new business start-ups to Perth. This investment shows that Perth is an ideal base, offering businesses, visitors and residents excellent local, national and international access as well as an unrivalled quality of life."