THE first high-speed train has arrived in Scotland ahead of the new services being rolled out next year.
Based in Aberdeen, it will travel the network in the north-east for driver training over the coming months.
When the ScotRail Alliance's fleet comes into operation, its services will connect the country's seven cities.
ScotRail Alliance managing director Alex Hynes said: "The arrival of the first high-speed train in Aberdeen is an exciting milestone in our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had.
"The investment we are making in high-speed trains is a clear sign of the ScotRail Alliance's commitment to building a world class railway for the whole of Scotland."
Features of the high-speed trains include more seating, increased luggage space, power sockets at seats and better on board catering.
The 26-strong fleet is being leased from Angel Trains, which has committed to investing £50 million in it over the coming years.
ScotRail faced heavy criticism for late and cancelled trains last year, with campaigners calling for Dutch parent firm Abellio to be stripped of the franchise to run Scotland's railways.
A plan was put in place to improve performance and a report in July showed the moving annual average measure as 90.7%, ahead of a 90.5% target and 1.1% higher than when the improvement plan was first introduced.
Humza Yousaf, Transport Minister, said: "It is great to see this train arrive in Scotland for driver training, an important step towards delivery.
"Next year sees the start of a transformed inter-city service - connecting Scotland's seven cities with high-speed trains."
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