TransPennine Express (TPE) has named a Nova 1 train the ‘Palace of Holyroodhouse’ in honour of King Charles III, ahead of his coronation on Saturday 6 May .
The newly named Class 802 train was unveiled at Edinburgh Waverley Station, just a stone’s throw away from the 16th century palace, and set off on its inaugural journey to the sound of the Border Piper, Sandy Mutch.
Clad in full highland dress, the Border Piper serenaded Palace of Holyroodhouse with ‘The Badge of Scotland’ as it started its maiden journey with a new moniker.
Matthew Golton, managing director for TPE, said: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our new King by naming one of our Nova 1 trains in His Majesty’s honour.
“We wanted to pay homage to the extensive royal history that Scotland has to offer, and it seemed only fitting to name one of our trains after King Charles’ III official residence in Edinburgh – the Palace of Holyroodhouse.”
The late Queen Elizabeth II spent one week in residence at Holyroodhouse at the beginning of each summer and before her passing last year, Her Majesty gave permission for TPE to use the name and imagery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on one of its trains.
Matthew added: “It’s a great honour and privilege to have been granted permission from Queen Elizabeth II before she passed.
“It seemed fitting to unveil the newly-named train at Edinburgh Waverley Station and even more apt to send the train on its first journey across the country to the sound of bagpipes.”
TPE customers can take a trip onboard the Nova 1 along the Anglo-Scottish routes connecting Edinburgh/Glasgow with Newcastle and the North West of England.
Image credit: TransPennine Express
