Night train to the Highlands embraces the Outlander effect

Now, Caledonian Sleeper has added an extra pull to the journey by embracing the popular hit show Outlander to promote the route to the north.

Four carriages of the train have been wrapped with scenes from the hit show, including one of lead actors Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe in a loving clinch.

Heughan - who plays kilted Jacobite Jamie Fraser in the show - will also find his own whisky brand, called The Sassenach, after his pet name for his on-screen wife - served to select overnight travellers.

READ MORE: Outlander star Sam Heughan visits Edinburgh theatre where his career was born

The actor said the tie-up was both “exciting and surreal” as he posed for photographs alongside the Outlander-themed carriages at their launch on Thursday.

Heughan said: “The Caledonian Sleeper is such an iconic train, so to see the show brought to life in this way is both exciting and surreal.

“There’s something uniquely special about travelling through Scotland by train.

“It captures the romance, adventure and beauty that is synonymous with the show and is a fitting way to celebrate Outlander’s connection to Scotland.

READ MORE: 11 Outlander filming locations which have enjoyed a visitor surge

“Through ventures like Sassenach Spirits and the development of Galloway Distillery, celebrating Scotland’s culture, craftsmanship and storytelling continues to be deeply personal to me.

“Collaborating on an Outlander inspired menu onboard featuring The Sassenach has been a meaningful way to extend the world of Outlander beyond the screen and into the journey itself.”

The launch comes ahead of World Outlander Day on June 1 and coincides with the series finale this month.

Graham Kelly, Caledonian Sleeper’s managing director said: “We’re excited to unveil the first-ever wrap of the Caledonian Sleeper, and Outlander is the dream fit.

“We’re proud to champion Scotland across every part of the Sleeper experience, from on-board design details to the local products our guests love, and this collaboration builds on that.

“With Scotland just a sleep away, Outlander fans can follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie and experience the places that have made Outlander so iconic.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside VisitScotland, Sony Pictures Television and The Sassenach to bring that journey to life.”

Outlander is said to have played a significant role in boosting screen tourism in Scotland.

Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “Outlander takes viewers on a dramatic journey to Scotland and what better way to do it in practice than on board the iconic Caledonian Sleeper.

“We know screen tourism is a powerful trend that drives millions to our country and Outlander for much of that interest over the past 10 years.

“Those visitors seek to connect with the home of Outlander and immerse themselves in the real story, history, and people of Scotland.

“Promoting sustainable travel is incredibly important for us as we seek to grow the visitor economy.

“Our previous partnerships with Caledonian Sleeper have shown there is a strong appetite to travel to Scotland by rail, and we hope the combination of two Scottish icons will continue that success.”

Tourist board VisitScotland earlier said it was “excited and saddened” by the launch of the eighth and final series of hit TV show Outlander, which premiered in March.

The time-travelling romantic TV series has fuelled a surge in interest and trips from the North American and French and German visitor markets to Scotland.

Doune Castle, which features as Leoch Castle in the show, has experienced a 200 to 300 per cent increase in tourism since the launch of the show.

Meanwhile, Blackness Castle in Fort William has also experienced a large rise in visitors after character Jamie Fraser was incarcerated there in series one.

Meanwhile, Newhailes House, near Edinburgh, which featured in Season 4 of Outlander as Governor Tryon's North Carolina residence, reported a 6,000 per cent rise in popularity.