A WHITE Stag has been chosen as the emblem for the Caledonian Sleeper ahead of a major revamp in a bid to encourage travellers to return to the cross-border service.

The almost mythical creature will feature prominently on the trains and in promotional branding once new operator Serco takes over the running of the service from ScotRail on April 1.

In a first for a UK rail service, passengers will be able to book tickets up to a year in advance for the service that operates between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. and London Euston. This is when the new website goes live. The new website has already gone live. Serco said the stag's five point antlers represent the three Highland and two Lowland destinations.

The animal is already synonymous with the Fort William to London route, known to many as the Deerstalker and Serco says it will encourage travellers to rediscover Scotland's 'lost treasure' railway service.

Plans to transform the Caledonian Sleeper service into an outstanding hospitality offering that is emblematic of the best of Scotland are well underway. This includes all aspects of the operation of the Caledonian Sleeper franchise; marketing, sales, hospitality service on the trains, vehicle maintenance and the provision of facilities at stations for guests.

The new Caledonian Sleeper is using Scottish boutique suppliers - including award-winning Glasgow fashion designer ten30 for the uniforms and Aberdeen social enterprise Glencraft for beds.

Peter Strachan, Serco's managing director for the new Caledonian Sleeper said: "The White Stag symbolises fresh adventures and coming change, which is what people can expect from the Caledonian Sleeper as it is transformed over the coming years."

Customers will start seeing an improved service soon after the 1 April, with new menus, soft furnishings and comforts. In 2018 a new fleet will launch. Over £100 million is being invested which is part funded by a £60m capital grant from Scottish Ministers.

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said, "The Caledonian Sleeper is a cherished icon of Scotland's railways and it is fitting that a contemporary image of the Scottish stag is chosen to be the new emblem as this service embarks upon a transformation for the future."