Royal Scotsman - Essence of Scotland

Your journey with the Royal Scotsman begins with the whistle. The train picks up speed and travels through the magnificent beauty of Scotland's ancient, rugged landscapes. On board, the elegant Edwardian interior wraps you in the warmth of cashmere and tartan. Travel north to Perth as you indulge in afternoon tea and continue through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, where the rolling hills of Perthshire give way to more dramatic peaks and valleys as you head north into the Highlands. Glide past Aviemore, the gateway to the magnificent Cairngorms National Park with its towering peaks and vast Caledonian forests, and just beyond Aviemore is the village of Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. The train stops here for the night, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the Cairngorms.enjoy dinner on board, a feast of day-caught wild salmon, hand-dived scallops and Aberdeen Angus beef. Chanterelles, wild garlic and bitter cress are plucked straight from Scotland's wild larder, followed by lively entertainment in the panoramic carriage. Musicians and artists accompany the train, mixing sweet, slow Gaelic songs with lively folk tunes. With no more than 40 guests on board, you can look forward to warm camaraderie, best celebrated over a local dram.

he train departs this morning from Boat of Garten, heading north towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Lunch will be served en route to Kyle of Lochalsh, along what is considered one of the most scenic routes in Britain. The journey passes by Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains, continuing through Achnasheen before ascending to Luib Summit and Achnashellach Forest, then descending to Strathcarron, where you are invited to visit the Attadale Gardens. This vast 30,000-acre estate has been owned by the Macpherson family since the 1950s. Your visit includes the Water Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Sunken Garden. Later, you can enjoy light refreshments with your hosts, who will welcome you into their home, built over 250 years ago. Alternatively, you may choose to stay on the train and disembark in the picturesque village of Plockton, where you can take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy a stunning view across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. You will have time for a woodland walk, followed by a traditional Highland welcome and a drink or two at the Plockton Hotel by the coast. In Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the mystical Isle of Skye, you will return to the train. After dinner, you can head to the observation car, where local musicians will be waiting to entertain you.

Leave Kyle and retrace part of yesterday's route while enjoying breakfast on your way to Inverness. Upon arrival, you will disembark to uncover the secrets of the historic Tomatin Distillery. Although the distillery was officially founded in 1897, whisky production has been an important part of life in this remote Highland region since the 15th century. The name itself offers a glimpse into a more clandestine past: "Tomatin" translates to "hill of the juniper bush" – a reference to the wood that burns without smoke, once favored by illegal distillers. Alternatively, you can relax onboard while our Highland storyteller shares fascinating tales about the Jacobites and dramatic moments from the country's history. After lunch on the train, you will disembark in Aviemore and visit Ballindalloch Castle in the afternoon. Known as the "Pearl of the North," it lies in the heart of the Speyside whisky region, enjoying a majestic setting surrounded by hills, with the rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds. The grand castle, home to the Macpherson-Grant family, boasts a fine collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings, an impressive dining room, a splendid vaulted hall, and an awe-inspiring library. In the early evening, you will reboard the train in Aviemore and prepare for a final gala dinner on the way to Dundee, marking your last evening onboard. After the feast, you may be inspired to join a lively Scottish ceilidh on the platform—a fitting end to your journey.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. The journey ends in Edinburgh.