A WELSH choir has celebrated the reopening of the direct rail service between Cardiff and Edinburgh with a rendition of “Flower of Scotland.”
The event celebrating the opening of the Network Rail line was held in Cardiff Central yesterday and saw a Scots male choir sing the unofficial national anthem.
Almost four decades after it was last possible the new rail service reopened offering a direct link between the two capital cities.
The Caerphilly Male Voice Choir sang Christmas carols, hymns and the national anthems of Scotland, Wales and England.
The Welsh choirs performance heralded the departure of the first train on the line which left Cardiff Central headed for Edinburgh Waverly at 09:45.
A special event was held in celebration of the rail lines opening where the choir performed their songs.
Network Rail’s service between the two capitals will run every weekday and will connect 22 stations across the country.
A total of 455 miles, the journey will connect 10 cities with one service running in each direction every weekday.
Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “Today in South Wales, we have launched a significant timetable change with more frequent services and more consistent departure times, making it easier for people to use the train.
“In the run-up to this timetable change there was a lot of interest in one particular service: CrossCountry’s direct service from Cardiff to Edinburgh.
“It’s always positive to introduce a new service, especially one that connects people from Cardiff all the way through the Midlands and northern England to Scotland – making it easier for families to stay connected and for business travellers to get to work.
“The introduction of this service is a wonderful achievement, and it was fantastic to see the railway family here in force to celebrate.”
