Class 73 locomotives started arriving in Inverness on 15th February 2016 performing their new duties of hauling Serco Sleeper trains. The locomotives were built between 1962-7, originally for use on the third-rail electric lines to the south of London. As built they also contained a 600 horsepower English Electric diesel engine for use in non-electrified yards. The Class 73/9s, hired from GB Railfreight, have a much more powerful 1600 horsepower MTU engine and have been completely rebuilt with a life-expectancy of 25 years.

As the locomotives will spend each day in Inverness, between duties, FoFNL wonders whether they could be dragooned into providing a daytime shuttle between Beauly and Conon Bridge!