From the kilted piper who greets you as you board the train, to the steward who brings an early morning cup of tea, the handpicked team on The Royal Scotsman provides the highest standards in hotel comfort. There is a team of 14 for the 36 passengers and the train manager provides a list of their names in the Lobby together with the passengers on each tour. The teams, known as "the crew" on board, clearly enjoy their work and take pride in maintaining the reputation of the world’s most exclusive guide.
A well-informed guide accompanies the passengers on all the visits in The Royal Scotsman’s liveried motor coach, in the charge of the experienced driver. The attentive crew provides a remarkable level of service, contributing enormously to guests’ enjoyment of the tour – truly the highest standards yet reached in railway travel.
There is something particularly enjoyable about dining on the move; the ambience resembles a country house on wheels. Meals on the Royal Scotsman reflect the seasonal changes and are said to be the best on any train service in the world.
Our Chefs receive many compliments on the range and balance achieved during tours. A full Scottish cooked breakfast, with true Scots oats porridge, is available each day, with traditional choice. Continental breakfast can be served in your State cabin. Luncheon one day might be Salad Nicoise, followed by Escalope of Wild Salmon, Hollandaise sauce, new potatoes and fresh asparagus, followed by warm Blueberry Tart. Another day may feature Loch Linnhe Prawns with garlic and herbs, rounded off with Sticky Toffee Pudding and Ginger. The Royal Scotsman’s extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany Luncheon and dinner, with a fine range of malt whiskies such as The Macallan, Glenmorangie and Bunnahabhain.
The train’s team of well - informed guides are part of the excellent service you will encounter on the Royal Scotsman journeys. Their unrivalled experience and courtesy contributes to the warmth and care provided by the whole crew. The guides, who accompany the passengers on the train’s own liveried motor coach to all off – train activities, have in – depth knowledge of the history of the places and areas visited.
All - inclusive prices are a feature of the Royal Scotsman tours. There are no extra charges for sightseeing, meals, wines or drinks. Guests are able to relax on board and enjoy the facilities with no thought of extra cost. Gratuities are entirely at guests’ discretion and are shared equally amongst all the Royal Scotsman team including Guides. Stationary every night – the Royal Scotsman stops each evening in a quiet siding or station to ensure you can enjoy a good night’s rest. Clothes vary from relaxed to forma. During the daytime it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. For the formal dinners on board the train, guests are asked to dress in keeping with the elegant surroundings. Young children – it is regretted that children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on the train. Special Diets can usually be arranged with the train’s chefs – just advise your booking agent in advance. There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suite you.
Smoking is not permitted in cabins, since this will set off the fire alarms, which ensure your safety. To accommodate everyone’s preferences, smoking is only permitted in the dining Cars after dinner and on the Observation Car’s verandah.
| The Royal Scotsman is pulled by a diesel locomotive and has 9 cars (carriages) which are coupled in the following order from the rear of the train: |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
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Observation Car |
Dining Car I |
Dining Car II |
State Car |
State Car |
State Car |
State Car |
State Car |
State Car |
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This sequence is designed to keep the Day Cars, particularly the open verandah of the Observation Car, furthest from the locomotive so that guests can best enjoyt he passing countryside. However, the train uses some destinations where the track layout does not permit the whole train to be turned round to maintain its correct orientation onthe return journey. Where such situations occur, The Royal Scotsman is scheduled to have the locomotive coupled to the Observation Car for the minimum distance necessary until its correct running order can be resumed. |
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| The sleeping cars were originally Pullman day cars and have been rebuilt in the style of the Edwardian era. With the emphasis on comfort and space, each State Cabin is beautifully fitted out in rich woods with inlaid marquetry, suffused with fine damasks and soft carpets. Each cabin has lower beds, dressing table, full-length wardrobe, haridryer, electrically-controlled central heating, cooling electric fans, opening windows and an electric call button. | |
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| Single Cabin | Twin Cabin |
| The train is always stationary at night which ensures a good night's rest for passengers to enjoy the comfort of their cabin, write to a friend or immerse themselves in a treasures book. |
| Each State Cabin has its own private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet. There's an endless supply of hot water, acres of fluffy white towels and high quality toiletries. |
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| The Dining Cars have both been extensively remodelled using rich mahogany panelling. Each dining car offers passengers a private, club-like atmosphere, with glistening settings at tables for two, four and six. White linen tablecloths and crested Royal Worcester china are displayed with fresh flowers and glistening crystal. There is something hedonistic about dining on The Royal Scotsmand as the mountains, lochs and forests provide an ever-changing backdrop. Inside the dining saloons the combinations of local Scottish produce, choreographed during the tour to keep eye and tastebuds alert, are worthy of Michelin stars. Interesting wine selections accompany the light lunch and creative dinner menus. |
| The Observation Car has been completely remodelled to accommodate all passengers incomfortable tartan sofas and uholstered armchairs in muted tones. Passengers meet over coffee and apertifs while enjoying the passing landscape. After dinner the country house party ambience is enhanced by entertainment which creates a distinctively Scottish mood. Conviviality and conversaton are assured, enhanced by the impressive range of single malts. |
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Tours on the Train
Classic Tour |
The Western |
The Highland |
Grand West Highland |
Grand North Western
Special Journeys
British Open
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To check availability or receive additional information on The Royal Scotsman, drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739 |
reprinted with permission of Great Scottish & Western Railway Co.
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