The Royal Scotsman
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Today the nostalgic appeal for the tradition and elegance of the golden age of steam trains is recaptured by the romantic Orient-Express journeys from Paris to Venice, Bangkok to Singapore. On a visit to Scotland, the best way to explore this land of lochs and mountains is to take a grand, glamorous tour on board The Royal Scotsman.
Waverley Station, Edinburgh: After check-in over coffee, we are royally escorted in procession by a kilted bagpiper to Platform 9. Here the gleaming maroon and cream, long, liveried beast of a train awaits with uniformed staff welcoming us on board. We gather in the Observation Car for champagne as we meet the thirty two other guests from Australia, United States, Europe and the UK. At 1.32pm precisely the train slowly departs from the station through meandering tracks to leave the city behind. Our 660 mile, three day house party has begun. Twin bedded Staterooms with ensuite shower room offer superior comfort - feather duvets, soft towels, efficient heating.
This itinerary is taking us up the West Highland Line to Mallaig, renowned as one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Leaving the Clyde behind we skirt the curving shores of Loch Long then wind along the forested bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards Crianlarich and the high peak of Ben Lui.
Dining on board is a formal occasion with a menu of Scottish specialities - smoked salmon, beef, venison, scallops, langoustines. In the two charming dining cars, tables are laid with white linen, bone china, silverware and crystal glasses. After dinner we are entertained by Gaelic songs, clarsach recital or join in a Scottish reel.
Next morning, a feast of fruit, porridge (with tot of whisky), scrambled eggs, kippers, home-baked croissants. We are now in the Highlands, travelling through majestic mountain glens, beside lochs, pine forests, gushing waterfalls, grazing blackface sheep, fur coated cattle and red deer. The stunning scenery draws guests outside to the observation platform clutching cameras. A true highlight is crossing the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct used as a dramatic backdrop for Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
There are daily excursions to castles, sporting estates, woollen mills and distilleries. The Royal Scotsman coach meets the train at various stations to take us to Morar Beach, a windswept cruise on Loch Linhe with views of Ben Nevis, and a visit to the Isle of Bute for a tour of Mount Stuart, the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess with its collection of antiques, portraits and exotic landscaped gardens.
Taking a journey on the Royal Scotsman is a magical adventure around the Highlands – classic, carefree, luxurious travel at its best.
The Royal Scotsman offers the choice of of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 day itineraries and private charter journeys for weddings, private and corporate occasions.
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