The Experience

Experience the drama and wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this scenic two-night journey. Head north on the Highland Line through Dunkeld and Blair Atholl to Inverness, passing Culloden, site of the 1746 battle. At Rothiemurchus Estate, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venture out with the estate’s rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoy a walk in the scenic countryside. Day 1: Edinburgh – Boat of Garten
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west through Linlithgow to Stirling, and past Gleneagles on your way to the “Fair City” of Perth. You then continue north on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. Once past the station you can catch a glimpse of Blair Castle.

We continue our journey to Dalwhinnie where we disembark to visit Dalwhinnie Distillery, which at 1,073 feet above sea level makes it the highest Distillery in Scotland. You will have the opportunity to sample the ‘Gentle Spirit’ of the glen.

You return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. An informal dinner is served and afterwards you meet Ray Owens, who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. His storytelling gives you a true sense of the past and you learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.

The Royal Scotsman | Meals: D
Day 2: Boat of Garten – Dundee
Leaving Boat of Garten after breakfast you travel by motorcoach to Rothiemurchus. The history of this estate is as varied as most of the Highlands of Scotland. Its diverse landscape comprises low-lying fields on the river flood plain, open heather moorland, forestry plantations and majestic Caledonian pine forest. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting or a guided tour of the Estate with one of the Park Rangers where you can learn about the local flora and wildlife.

You rejoin the train in Aviemore and head north to Inverness. Enjoy lunch as you pass Culloden, site of the last battle on mainland British soil in 1746. You then continue east following the Moray coast to Nairn where we disembark to visit Johnston’s of Elgin Woollen Mill. Founded in 1797 Johnston’s is the only British Mill to transform cashmere from fibre to garment and its success has been founded on processing some of the world’s rarest and most luxurious fibres.

You return to the train in Keith and enjoy a formal dinner as you travel south towards Dundee, for overnight stabling.

The Royal Scotsman | Meals: B L D
Day 3: Dundee – Edinburgh
After breakfast, the train leaves Dundee and travels through the former Kingdom of Fife. You cross the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley where your journey ends.

Meals: B