"The Royal Scotsman, a gift from my husband and children!"

Last July, Isabelle and Jacques David boarded the famous Scottish luxury train for a fantastic four-day, three-night trip. Testimonial:

What made you want to take the Royal Scotsman?

It was a surprise gift from my husband and children! I've always loved trains, ever since I was a child, and I love Scotland. I did part of my studies in Scotland, working as an assistant on the Isle of Bute. I also did my honeymoon in Scotland. And later, we went back with the kids. My daughter discovered Discovery Trains at a travel fair, and gave the address to my husband, who got in touch with Yulia and chose the Royal Scotsman trip as a gift.

Royal Scotsman: 4 days and 3 nights on a luxury Scottish train

What was your first strong impression of the trip?

On arrival at the airport in Edinburgh, we were met by a chauffeur in full regalia. My husband had booked this service with you as a complementary service. He was in uniform, with a cap. He was a former policeman. He drove us to the hotel in a Jaguar! I'd never been in a car like that before. I was really impressed.

Did you sleep at the hotel before taking the train?

We spent two nights at the Scotsman Hotel in the center of Edinburgh. Discovery Trains had booked this modern hotel with character and a truly Scottish decor. Wood panelling, deep green velvet armchairs. It's housed in the former printing works of the Scotsman newspaper. In fact, every morning we woke up to The Scotsman folded neatly in front of our door.

Hotel the Scotsman in Edinburgh

We took the opportunity to visit the city of Edinburgh. We knew it was built on an ancient volcano. We went up to the volcano, a hill known as Arthur's Seat, and also visited Holyrood Palace, the palace of Mary Stuart.

What was it like to board the Royal Scotsman?

We met at the Balmoral Hotel, 200 meters from our Scotsman hotel. The bellboys collected our luggage and took it to the train. Meanwhile, we had a drink. At around 12.45pm, we all left for the station, 100 m from the Balmoral hotel. The train was waiting for us. On the platform was a red carpet and a bagpiper in full regalia, with a beautiful moustache. He played on the platform right up to the moment of departure. Even as the train pulled away, he walked alongside us on the platform. It was great fun, especially as I love bagpipes. 

Bagpipe player on the platform © Isabelle and Jacques

Did you go straight to your compartment?

First we were seated in the lounge. We were served champagne, strawberries and appetizers. We got to know the other passengers a little. Then, one by one, we were called to our cabins. On the way, we were shown the Spa, the dining rooms, the kitchens... A sort of mini-tour of the Royal Scotsman before arriving in our rooms.

Royal Scotsman train lounge © Belmond

Did you see any beautiful scenery during your trip to Scotland?

This train journey in Scotland is a plunge into wild Scotland. The scenery seen through the window is magnificent. We also hiked in the Nevis Valley, following a couple of guides on mountain trails. After each visit, we were always treated to an elegant cocktail with refreshments and champagne.

Hiking in Scotland on the Royal Scotsman © Isabelle and Jacques David

One view particularly impressed us: that of the Glenfinnan Viaduct! It's the bridge you see in the Harry Potter films, and it's very impressive. We crossed it twice. And as our compartment was at the end of the train, we were able to take photos of the train as it rounded the curve. 

View of the Glenfinnan viaduct © Isabelle and Jacques David

What are evenings like on board this Scottish luxury train?

In the evening, the train is at a standstill. Musicians come to liven up the evening. On the first evening, a couple of accordion and guitar players came to play Scottish tunes. On the second night, it was a variety singer. And on the third evening, another couple, a woman violinist and a guitarist, got the willing passengers dancing on the station platform!

Were the meals on board Scottish?

The train is Scottish. The decor is "Georgian", named after King George V. The staff, too, are dressed in kilts or tartan pants. And the food is local. But it's not necessarily "Scottish cuisine". At breakfast, you can order a "full Scottish breakfast" and choose to eat "haggis", the famous stuffed sheep's belly. But it's not compulsory.

Royal Scotsman restaurant © Isabelle and Jacques David

Were travelers on the Royal Scotsman well-dressed?

The women were always well dressed, even for the "unformal" meals. My husband had a new suit. I bought elegant black skirt, a blouse and a beautiful voile dress. In the evening, it was all fun and games. For the last evening, some of the men were in tuxedos. A few had even rented kilts! Alex, the train's conductor, was wearing a kilt that evening.

Who were the other passengers on board your luxury train?

The majority on board were Americans and English, with a few Flemish Belgians. From the way they spoke, you could tell that most of the passengers had good social standing. There was an American film-maker, a Belgian painter who had painted the King's portrait, an English businessman from Singapore, a Swiss-German couple who were both ship captains, an American professor with his pupil, a Belgian MP...

Isabelle David and the hosts of the Royal Scotsman © Isabelle and Jacques David

I'm a National Education teacher and my husband is in the military. But we didn't feel uncomfortable. We got to know the other passengers very well. It was very friendly. The waiters and the on-board staff, who were totally attentive, had a lot to do with it. In the space of three days, we became close friends. For the Swiss-German couple, this was not their first trip aboard the Royal Scotsman. We understood that they had already taken this luxury train. And I can understand why. If I had the chance to go back, I'd be delighted to do it again!

royal scotsman reviews (ref.)