Pipe Major Alex MacDonald, Fort William, a member of British Rail's staff at Fort William played out "The Royal Highlander" the first air conditioned sleeper on the West Highland Line when it left on its journey to London last week.

The sleeper section, saved from being taken off the route by the fact that British Rail introduced "Ethel" - Electric train heating ex-locamotive - which provides the air and lighting for the coach was flagged off by Sir Donald Cameron of Lochiel.

Railway area manager at Fort William, Mr. Colin Shearer, said: "We hope that the quality and luxury of the new vehicle will attract the public to use the railway."

New coaches to go with the sleeper have also been introduced to the line.

Following the departure of the train invited guests were entertained to a buffet in the Alexandra Hotel, preceded by a short show of slides on the new sleeper and its functions.