The all-electric train operator Lumo has unveiled a new direct service linking Glasgow with Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England, and London—marking a significant step forward in sustainable rail travel.
The inaugural service departed Glasgow Queen Street at 18:16, arriving at London King’s Cross one minute ahead of schedule. The launch event was a celebration of Scottish culture and entertainment, featuring a performance by Storm Electric Strings, a comedy set from rising star Connor Burns—fresh from the Glasgow International Comedy Festival—and a special appearance by Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who boast over five million TikTok likes. Lumo is also proudly backing Glasgow Pride and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in 2026.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, described the launch as a milestone for connectivity:
“This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth.
It was a particular pleasure to celebrate the launch of our inaugural services in style with a brilliant range of guests from our dedicated team, as well as our partners from Scotland and across the border. We’re proud to champion Scotland and look forward to providing the unique Lumo service to even more customers from this week.”
To commemorate the occasion, Lumo partnered with Houston Kiltmakers to design an official Lumo tartan, revealed during the launch event. Guests received limited-edition scarves featuring the new design. Ken MacDonald, Vice-Chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said:
“It’s a pleasure to work with like-minded people who appreciate Scotland and all it has to offer. I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to play a part in Lumo launching in Glasgow and look forward to seeing our new tartan design out and about in Scotland and across the border.”
Scottish broadcaster Bev Lyons welcomed passengers onboard, praising the new service:
“The Lumo team are fabulous and I’m so thrilled that they have officially brought their unique service to my home city of Glasgow! We’ve been crying out for an affordable and direct link to the North East and London and I know that this service will be valued by many people.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lumo over the past few months and it’s great to see the company backing local events such as the Glasgow Comedy Festival, as well as the likes of Glasgow Pride. Welcome, Lumo!”
The launch has also been welcomed by sustainable transport advocates. Paul Tetlaw from Transform Scotland commented:
“We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line. There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train. The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”
Initially, customers will benefit from two northbound services each weekday and one southbound, with expectations that the new link will attract visitors to major events such as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026. Looking ahead, Lumo plans to introduce a Stirling–London Euston route in May 2026, further expanding its network.
Image credit Lumo
