Timeless elegance and irresistible opulence fuel this epic train journey through the Scottish highlands

By Paul Rubio

Reinstituting the glory and grandeur of train travel circa early-to-mid-20th century, the Royal Scotsman pays homage to a bygone era of luxurious peregrinations through Europe’s most romantic landscapes. A series of delicately restored vintage Pullman cars, the Royal Scotsman journeys along the tracks less traveled of Scotland’s remote countryside, passing through sleepy fishing villages, pastoral backdrops of sorrowful beauty, and palatial estates frequented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Every April, the Royal Scotsman begins its annual 6-month pilgrimage along, between, by and within Scotland’s stunning east and rugged west with a full gamut of two to seven day journeys available to thoroughly experience the best of stately Scotland. The popular four-night “Classic Journey,” for example, begins and ends in Edinburgh, venturing north towards Keith, then west towards Inverness and Kyle of Locash, returning by way of boat to Garten and Pitlochry.

Onboard, the Royal Scotsman delivers the intrigue and excellence that matches a period when train travel was indeed epic. The varnished wood interiors complement the kaleidoscope of Scottish plaid flooring and regal accessories, a fitting backdrop for formal dining among the who’s who of the train’s 36 guests.

Channeling the age of vintage glamour, come nightfall guests peruse the train in haute couture and dazzling diamonds, fostering a James Bond-esque scene of elegance and mystery (but without the imminent danger). The train’s “Observatory Lounge” surfaces as a point of congregation for aperitifs, after dinner drinks and entertainment, and hours of sheer day dreaming, mesmerized by the contrasts of dull, olive and bright greens through the Scottish highlands.

Traversing this sparsely populated, mysterious land of glens, lochs, and picturesque mountain ranges, the train stops frequently – often twice per day – allowing guests to get up close and personal with the robust personalities, cultural heritage, and fascinating living history of Scotland’s lesser-known regions. Distillery tours, wildlife cruises, bespoke estate tours, castle hopping, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, and visiting farms with “highland coo” are part of the greater Royal Scotsman experience. The daily activities are idyllic for working off the day’s three decadent farm-to-table meals, which showcase the best of Scottish gastronomy from local Haggis (or the revolutionary vegetarian Haggis) to globally renowned smoked salmon to sweet seafood from the Herbrides.

For the train journey of a lifetime, visit: www.royalscotsman.com or call 1.800.524.2420.