[2][3] During 2002, National Express claimed that, unless additional public funding was provided to operate the Caledonian Sleeper, the company could not afford to continue the service.

[4] The nature of ScotRail was a matter of some political controversy throughout its operation; in February 2003, the Scottish National Party publicly promised to undertake various measures towards the renationalisation of Scotland's rail services, specifically mentioning the ending of the ScotRail franchise in favour of state control.

[5] In July 2003, the Scottish Executive and the Strategic Rail Authority shortlisted Arriva, FirstGroup and National Express to bid for the next franchise.

By 2004, in response to competitive pressure from emerging budget airlines, ScotRail had reduced some of its long distance fares.

ScotRail contracted English Welsh & Scottish to haul the Caledonian Sleeper services to London Euston.