Famed for its breathtaking countryside, Scotland's heather-clad moors, remote glens and beautiful lochs are best explored by train. The Royal Scotsman allows you to uncover all this and more in opulent luxury.
Nicola Bolton, an Independent Tours Executive at Great Rail Journeys, recently embarked on the Scotland's Classic Splendours route, soaking up the delights of the Scottish Highlands and savouring exquisite food and drink for five days.
A welcome fit for royalty
On arrival in Edinburgh, Nicola was greeted by Royal Scotsman staff who took her case to the grand Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street. After enjoying refreshments and meeting her fellow guests, there was time to explore Scotland's historic capital before boarding the train.
A fantastic welcome awaited as the passengers were serenaded aboard by a bagpiper, garnering lots of attention from members of the public.
"I felt like the Queen!" says Nicola about her first impressions of the Royal Scotsman.
"We gathered in the Observation Car and had a welcome drink - a Scottish kir royale made from Veuve Clicquot champagne and a local blackcurrant liqueur. There were nibbles too, and all looked fresh and well presented - both the food and the furniture.
"The staff introduced themselves and learned our names - they knew everyone by the first evening. The staff were all well turned out and extremely friendly. Nothing was too much trouble."
Indulging in delectable flavours of Scotland
Two restaurants, an Observation Car and a spa provide great opportunities to relax or get to know the other passengers.
"The Observation Car was where everyone gathered to socialise and enjoy the bar service and canapes on an evening," says Nicola. The staff would make any cocktail or drink you wanted. The drinks were amazing. I sampled quite a few non-alcoholic cocktails, and they were delicious."
The evening meal is always a highlight of luxury train travel and the Royal Scotsman is no different. The haute cuisine of Executive Head Chef Mark Tamburrini reflects Scotland's authentic flavours. Decorated with Scottish thistles and luxurious marquetry, the two mahogany-panelled restaurants served indulgent cuisine each evening.
"There were two informal nights and two formal ones," continues Nicola. "It's more relaxed than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
"The gala dinner on the last evening was fantastic. I sat with some lovely people from South Africa and the food was incredible. The scallops and beef were out of this world - the best I've ever eaten!"
Living in the lap of luxury in a Grand Suite
Nicola stayed in a Grand Suite, which blend Scottish tradition with modern luxury.
"On entering the cabin," says Nicola, "there was a double bed next to a large window, beautiful wood-panelling and carpets in the lounge area and bedroom, while the ensuite bathroom was tiled.
"There were two wardrobes with full-length mirrors either side of the walkway separating the bedroom from the lounge, a sofa with two large storage compartments underneath, a table and chairs next to another huge window, and a small dressing table.
"In the bathroom, there was a small vanity cupboard and Dior robes (the onboard spa is also by Dior).
"The suite, like the whole experience on the train, was very grand, but also relaxed."
Boasting wood-panelled interiors, tartan flourishes and large picture windows, the Grand Suites are elegant places to sit and watch the striking scenery roll by while sipping on the complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Embracing Scottish culture on fascinating excursions
Such luxury and first-class service aboard the train could only be rivalled by Scotland's stunning landscapes. A programme of unique excursions awaited Nicola every day, each providing a glimpse into Scotland's appealing charm.
Strathisla distillery is one of the most photographed in Scotland due to its location in picture-perfect Speyside. An early morning walk revealed Strathisla in all its glory before the train continued west to Plockton on the banks of Loch Carron.
"From here, we took a boat trip to see the seals," says Nicola. "We learned about the lives of people in the area and then walked around the village of Plockton before enjoying a drink in the hotel. It was a lovely excursion with fantastic views."
The following day brought an early morning walk from Kyle of Lochalsh station over the Skye Bridge. Afterwards, the train continued back along the Kyle Line to Garve.
"A brilliant guide took us on a woodland walk following the old route of the drovers. He really knew his stuff and was very passionate about his heritage.
"In the afternoon, we continued to Ballindalloch Castle for a private tour of the house and gardens with the owner, Guy Macpherson-Grant."
Amongst the attractions in this 16th-century Speyside castle was a collection of images showing the history of the family, as well as many featuring the late Queen Mother who visited on many occasions and was a close friend of Guy's mother, Lady Clare Macpherson-Grant.
The final full day aboard the Royal Scotsman included a visit to the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms.
"There was a choice of activities here, such as shooting, fishing or guided walks. I opted to feed the deer and visit the hairy coos - the iconic Highland cattle. Our time at Rothiemurchus was followed by an afternoon tea with the best brownies ever!
"Back on the train, we travelled to Dunkeld from where we visited Pitlochry, with a great guide had grown up in the area. On a private tour of Blair Athol distillery, we tasted some of their whiskies. I fully enjoyed the tour and, of course, preferred the most expensive whisky. Well, not quite the most expensive, it turned out, as they had some from 1968. This is under lock and key as there's not much left and it's worth about £1 million!"
Experience the Royal Scotsman
"Fantastic! A once-in-a-lifetime trip," beams Nicola when summing up her time on the Royal Scotsman's Scotland's Classic Splendours tour.
"The stunning scenery and the hairy coos; the boat trip from Plockton and following the route of the drovers were just some of the highlights off the train. Onboard, it was the gala dinner and celebrations including Scottish country dancing and music on the station."
You can uncover Scotland in elegant style on our range of luxury Royal Scotland holidays.
