The Royal Scotsman: Grand West Highland

Accommodation
The Sleeping Cars are beautifully fitted out in rich parquetry, each providing a comfortable and intimate area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland.

Each cabin includes:
• Private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet and hot water
• High quality toiletries
• Fresh fluffy white towels
• Lower beds
• Each bed is furnished with one feather and one foam pillow, feather duvet and cotton quilted bed covers
• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Hairdryer
• Individually controlled heating
• Cooling ceiling fans
• Opening windows
• Cabin service call button

Observation Car
The Edwardian splendour of The Royal Scotsman's observation car provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the delights of your journey. 

The observation car offers an ever-changing panorama of virgin countryside and wild coastal scenery as the train moves past rugged castles, picturesque villages and heather-pink glens, home to magnificent creatures including eagles and stags. The views may be enjoyed from the comfort of the interior or from the exhilarating open verandah.

Comfortable sofas and armchairs provide seating for all thirty-six guests and conviviality and conversation are assured. After dinner the country house party ambience is enhanced by entertainment which creates a distinctly Scottish mood.
 



Dining & Cuisine
Dining on The Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as amongst the very finest in Britain.

The train's chefs create dishes to exacting standards despite the restricted space. Dining on board the beautifully decorated, mahogany-panelled dining room is an experience to savour with meals prepared with local ingredients, such as Scottish smoked salmon, and served with wine for all tastes.

Our extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and we offer a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast is available every morning. 

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

Formal and Informal Dinners:
There are formal and informal dinners aboard The Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies. For the informal dinners a jacket and tie is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather.

Many guests like to wear a kilt for the formal dinners and we would be pleased to recommend an Edinburgh based kilt hire company, who can make all the arrangements for you, including delivery to your hotel, or direct to the train (please note than an additional charge will apply).

Special Diets and Allergies:
Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food related or not, so that we can do our best to make your journey with us as enjoyable as possible.

Itinerary
Your vacation includes:
• All table d'hôte meals
• All alcoholic and other beverages
• All sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary
• Accommodation on board

Journey Highlights:
• Loch Lomond
• The waterfalls of Glen Falloch
• Bridge of Orchy
• Spectacular views of Rannoch Moor
• Views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain
• A romantic walk along the beautiful Morar Sands
• Views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains
• Legendary stories as told by Ray Owens
• Ferry from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute
• MountStuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house
• Relax and explore Edinburgh
• Passing through cities/towns such as Stirling, Perth, Dunkeld, Pitochry and Blair Atholl
• Visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Rothiemurchus Estate
• Views of the Culloden battle site
• Forth Railway Bridge crossing the Firth of Forth

Itinerary:
Day 1: Edinburgh-Spean Bridge
Meals: Afternoon Tea & Dinner

Day 2: Spean Bridge-Arisaig-Fort Williams-Bridge of Orchy
M eals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Bridge of Orchy-Isle of Bute-Wemyss Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Wemyss Bay-Edinburgh-Dalwhinnie-Boat of Garten
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Dinner

Day 5: Boat of Garten-Aviemore-Culloden-Nairn-Dundee
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Dundee-Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

Please note: itineraries are subject to change and full details will be confirmed with your tickets.

For full details regarding the itinerary for this journey, click on the "Download Itinerary" button.

Departure Information

2012
May 23
Jun 15
Aug 17
Sep 7
Oct 10

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh at 1.32pm on day one and arrives back in Edinburgh at 9.43am on day six.

Additional Information
Smoking Policy:
In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted onboard the train at any time. 
 
Check-In Procedure:
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Guests are asked to check-in at the National Express First Class lounge at least 40 minutes prior to departure. You will be met by our Host and members of Crew who will transfer your luggage to the train.
 
Luggage and Storage On-board:
Cabins on board The Royal Scotsman have limited space. We recommend that each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have luggage storage space under each bed which is 71cm x 23cm. If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for storage of extra luggage during your Royal Scotsman journey. However should you be staying at an alternative hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager. Prior to boarding, please attach a Royal Scotsman luggage label/tag to each piece of your luggage.
 
What to Wear:
For daytime excursions and relaxing on board the train, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing. In the evening we recommend a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners.

To Book
This product is not currently available to book through our online booking system.
To book, please contact one of our Rail Specialists on 1300 360 823 or email details of your requirements to info@railtickets.com.au
Orient Express requires a Passenger Information Form to be completed in order to confirm bookings.
Download a copy of the form here.

Terms and Conditions
Bookings require a 30% deposit at the time of confirmation, with full balance payable 60 days prior to the departure date.

Once a booking has been made cancellation penalties apply:
21 or more clear working days before train departure date: 30% cancellation penalty;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 70% cancellation penalty;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% cancellation penalty (no refund). 

Once a booking has been made and a change is required then the following administration fees apply:
More than 56 working days before departure date: One free change then 10% amendment fee;
21-55 clear working days before train departure date: 20% amendment fee;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 60% amendment fee;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% amendment fee.

Administration Fees are imposed for change of passenger’s names, departure dates or compartment types.

Photo credit: Images courtesy of Orient Express © Orient Express Trains