The Royal Scotsman officially got its start in May of 1985. The owners of the train put together a collection of carriages to make up the train. Each carriage was leased for 5-year period, and during this initial time in operation, the train was bestowed with the Queen’s Award for Export.

When the initial carriage leases expired in May of 1990, a decision was made to purchase new carriages, with very specific design elements. The owner bought ten Pullman carriages, with original and functional design by Jame Park. Some of the features of these new cars included special woodworking, private facilities in each cabin, and electric heating to replace the old steam heating systems. The dining and observation cars featured additional seating capacity for up to 32 people. In 1997, the seating capacity was increased again to 36, and there were 16 twin and 4 single state cabins for passengers’ comfort.

Travelling on the Royal Scotsman

Taking a trip on the Royal Scotsman will bring guests to the centre of the Scottish Highlands as they sample fresh, local produce and other fine delicacies. Guests are regaled with stories of Scottish history by a clansman who makes these events come alive, while enjoying the lush scenery of the Scottish countryside including mist-shrouded mountains dotted with ancient castles.

Kyle of Lochalsh is another point of interest to guests on a Royal Scotsman trip. Here, guests can watch as fresh oysters are harvested near the train’s platform. Guests dine on these fresh oysters as the train continues on.

Whilst on the subject of the train’s menu, dining on board the Royal Scotsman is an unmatched experience. Menus feature fresh, seasonal food, and the fare aboard the Royal Scotsman is renowned as some of the finest food in all of Great Britain. Of course, the dining experience wouldn’t be complete without a complement of fine wines, and the Royal Scotsman certainly delivers. For breakfast options, guests may choose from a traditional cooked Scottish meal, or a simpler continental style breakfast.

The train features many fine foods, including Aberdeen Angus beef and game, salmon, shellfish, and a wide variety of fresh local produce. The train boasts a number of top-notch chefs that have received training from the likes of Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux, and Charlie Trotter. For those guests who may have special dietary restrictions, it’s important to speak with the head chef before starting out on the trip.

The train features lavishly decorated dining cars with lush fabrics and rich Mahogany panelling. One dining car offers intimate tables for groups of 2 to 4 people, while the other car offers seating for larger parties of 6 to 8 people. Some nights, the attire is formal, black-tie wear, including tuxedos and even kilts. Other nights, the attire is informal coat-and-tie wear, particularly when the weather is unseasonably hot.

Guests’ cabins are also luxuriantly decorated to create a haven of relaxation. The guest cabins include 16 twin cabins and 4 singles that provide a private place to rest, or simply take in the scenery as the train passes through the Scottish landscape. Guests can also visit the observation car, which is the perfect place to relax and watch the lovely sights as the train continues on through the lush Scottish countryside.