The most luxurious train in the world and your impeccable host for a journey
The Royal Scotsman is part of the Orient-Express collection of worldwide travel experiences. Here luxury, civility and gracious hospitality evoke gentler times; the romantic age of travel when getting there was as much fun as arriving. Join us for a journey through ancient mountains and mysterious lochs, golden glens and charming villages. With a maximum of only 36 guests aboard at any one time, you have plenty of space, time and encouragement to do as you please. It is an effortless way to experience Scotland in absolute luxury, in an environment where you can give yourself over entirely to the care of the crew.
The sleeping cars provide sixteen twin cabins and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry. All cabins have fixed, lower beds, dressing table, full-length wardrobe, individually controlled heating, cooling ceiling fans, opening windows and cabin service call button. Each cabin has its own private facilities with shower, wash-basin and toilet and a constant supply of hot water. Comfortable sofas and armchairs provide seating for all thirty-six guests and conviviality and conversation are assured. After dinner the country house party ambience is enhanced by entertainment which creates a distinctly Scottish mood.
Originally launched in May 1985, the train, in its current form, dates from May 1990. The owners put together a set of carriages, which were rented in and called The Royal Scotsman, launching in the Spring of 1985. The running order of The Royal Scotsman carriages is: Observation Car with veranda viewing platform; Dining Car Number One; Dining Car Number Two; State Car number (1-5); and a Service Car. The sequence is in running order from the rear so guests can best enjoy the passing countryside.
At one end of the train is perhaps the most distinctive vehicle, the open-ended Observation Car, converted from the Pullman kitchen car, Snipe. The Royal Scotsman’s Observation Car provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the delights of a luxury rail holiday or vacation. Its many windows give a panoramic view of the constantly changing scenery, which may be enjoyed from the comfort of the interior or from the exhilarating open veranda. Travelling at a leisurely pace, so you miss none of the splendour outside your window, you’ll wind your way through beautiful glens, around stunning lochs and along mile after mile of unspoilt coastline.
The Royal Scotsman’s restaurant has gained rightful acclaim as one of the finest luxury dining experiences in Britain – moving or still. Here, the fruits of Scotland’s famous natural larder – salmon, shellfish, game and Aberdeen Angus beef – are all waiting to be savoured in a menu which reflects the seasonal changes, and are accompanied by a selection of the finest luxury wines and champagnes. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or continental breakfast is available every morning in our luxury dining car or in your own cabin. The Chefs are of the highest calibre and spend time training with world renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux and Charlie Trotter. There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Special diets can be arranged with the Chef on board – just advise us in advance.
Dining on The Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you’re with. There are formal and informal dinners aboard The Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies.
All prices are per person and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment and off-train visits, as well as the services of your on board host; there solely to make your journey more enjoyable. There are a variety of rail journeys available on The Royal Scotsman, from one to seven nights in duration. You’ll travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe.
