Night-shift specification
Blackout blinds or heavy curtains in every bedroom. Bedroom doors that actually shut. A kitchen and living room that don't share a wall with a bedroom. These aren't nice-to-haves — they define whether a crew sleeps.
Depot-adjacent basing
Base close to depot, not close to the line. Depot access is where the shift really starts, and the extra 15 minutes to the worksite is done in the crew van, not on the clock.
Van parking and secure kit storage
Off-street parking for one van per two crew, plus a lockable garage or store for high-value kit. On rural properties, insist on gated access.
Weekend possessions vs midweek
Weekend possessions dominate Scotland's rail calendar; book against known blockade windows well in advance. Midweek work is easier to place but often needs longer stays.