The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train Journal

Most Royal Scotsman journeys begin and end in Edinburgh, and the crossing of the Forth Railway Bridge — the great Victorian cantilever bridge over the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the most photographed moments on board. Guests typically step out onto the open Observation Deck for it, with Edinburgh and the Fife coastline framed on either side. It is the kind of moment that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Because the Royal Scotsman carries only 40 guests across just 20 cabins, popular itineraries and the Grand Suites in particular can sell out well ahead of the season, so we recommend booking as early as possible once your travel dates are set. Availability varies by itinerary, cabin category and time of year. Palace Trains can check live availability and walk you through current pricing — call 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com.

It suits travellers who want an immersive, unhurried way to see Scotland — couples celebrating an anniversary, whisky enthusiasts, history and heritage lovers, and anyone drawn to slow travel over sightseeing at speed. It is less suited to guests wanting fast-paced itineraries, large-group energy, or a big-city experience. If that description sounds right for you, our advisors can help pick the itinerary and cabin that fits best — reach Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com.

It is less a train than a moving Edwardian country house — warm marquetry panelling, fresh flowers in every carriage, and a maximum of 40 guests, so the atmosphere feels like a private house party rather than public transport. The train stables overnight in quiet Highland sidings rather than running through the small hours, which means undisturbed sleep and no rattling through stations at 3am. It also has the only open-air Observation Deck of any train in Europe, from which you can watch the glens roll by with the wind in your face.

For a first visit, Scotland's Classic Splendours (4 nights, Edinburgh–Keith–Kyle of Lochalsh–Boat of Garten–Dundee–Edinburgh) gives the broadest sweep of the Highlands, coast and glens in one journey. If you want to go further, the 7-night Grand Western Scenic Wonders routes add the Isle of Bute, Glenfinnan and additional Highland stops for guests with more time. Shorter journeys like the 2-night Taste of the Highlands or 3-night Western Scenic Wonders suit those testing the experience before committing to a longer trip. Our advisors can match the itinerary to your interests and dates — call 1-800-724-5120 or email travel@palacetours.com.

Isle of Skye is reached via Kyle of Lochalsh on itineraries such as Heritage Homes and Gardens, known for dramatic mountain scenery, the Cuillin ridge and historic castles and gardens. Isle of Mull, visited on Clans, Castles and Isles via Oban, has a gentler coastal character with colourful harbour towns and links to Scottish clan history. Guests choosing between the two should think about whether they want rugged mountain drama (Skye) or maritime island charm with clan heritage (Mull).

The two Grand Suites are the largest accommodation on the train, each with a 140cm x 190cm double bed convertible to twin, a dining table for in-suite dining, a full-length wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with shower — plus perks like private airport transfers and one complimentary Bamford spa treatment per guest. The 18 State Cabins (Doubles, Twins and two Singles) are more compact but no less elegant, finished in rich marquetry with panoramic windows, feather duvets and their own en-suite shower rooms; cabins Q, R and S have an extra-long 2.2m bed for taller guests. Both categories share the same dining cars, Observation Deck and excursions — the choice mainly comes down to space and whether in-suite dining matters to you.

With only 20 cabins and a maximum of 40 guests spread across multiple lounge, dining and observation cars, the Royal Scotsman never feels crowded — it is designed more like a boutique hotel than a commuter train. The open Observation Deck and the panelled lounge car give guests places to spread out, read or take in the scenery away from the dining tables. Most guests find the small headcount is exactly the point: you get to know your fellow travellers and the crew over the course of the journey.

Menus draw on Scottish larder ingredients — Highland game, Scottish salmon, Aberdeen Angus beef and seasonal produce — prepared in the panelled dining cars and paired with wines chosen by the onboard sommelier. Whisky is central to the experience: the dedicated Scotch Malt Whisky Tour itinerary builds distillery visits and tastings into the route, while every journey typically offers a curated dram or two in the lounge car of an evening. Guests with dietary requirements should let us know in advance so the chef can prepare accordingly.

The onboard spa, run in partnership with Bamford, offers massages and treatments in a dedicated treatment car — a genuine rarity on any train. Grand Suite guests receive one complimentary treatment per person as part of their fare, while other guests can book treatments for an additional charge. Because space and appointment slots are limited on a 40-guest train, we recommend requesting spa treatments as early as possible through Palace Trains when you book.

Each itinerary is built around curated excursions at the stops along the route — think castle and garden visits, distillery tours, clan history walks, scenic drives and, on some journeys, golf outings or boat trips around the islands. The Clans, Castles and Isles and Heritage Homes and Gardens itineraries lean into history and horticulture, while Western Scenic Wonders and the Grand Western routes emphasise dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes. Excursions are generally included in the fare; specifics vary by itinerary and season, so we'll walk you through what's included on your chosen departure.

Yes — the entire train is available for private charter, with the route, duration, menus and entertainment tailored to your group's interests, whether that's golf, whisky, wild swimming, mountain walking or Scottish clan history. This suits milestone celebrations, incentive travel and family gatherings that want true exclusivity rather than sharing the train with other guests. Contact Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com to discuss a private charter.

Late spring through early autumn (roughly May to September) brings the longest daylight hours in Scotland, which matters enormously for a train built around scenery and an open-air Observation Deck. Early autumn adds the bonus of turning colours across the glens, while some guests specifically seek out the Scotch Malt Whisky Tour departures for a more focused, food-and-drink-led trip. Exact operating dates and departures vary by season and year, so please confirm current availability with Palace Trains.

Scottish Highland weather is famously changeable even in summer, so guests should pack layers regardless of season — a warm jacket for the Observation Deck is essential year-round, since the wind off the lochs can be brisk even on a sunny day. Cabins have individually controlled heating, and the panelled lounge and dining cars are warm and cosy whatever is happening outside. Think countryside estate dress: smart-casual tweeds and knitwear during the day, slightly more polished for dinner.

Evenings on the Royal Scotsman lean toward smart, country-house elegance — many guests choose to wear cocktail dresses, jackets or even a kilt for dinner in the panelled dining cars, echoing the train's Edwardian character. Daytime dress is more relaxed and practical, suited to excursions and the open Observation Deck. If you're unsure what to pack for your specific itinerary and season, our team can advise based on your departure.

Yes — the two Single cabins are designed specifically for solo guests, and the intimate scale of the train (never more than 40 people) makes it easy to get to know fellow travellers over shared meals and evenings in the lounge car. Many solo guests choose the Royal Scotsman precisely because the format naturally encourages conversation without feeling forced. If a Single cabin isn't available on your preferred dates, we can also discuss single-occupancy rates for a Double or Twin.

The Royal Scotsman is best suited to adults and older teenagers — the pace, dining format and quiet, refined atmosphere are built around a country-house experience rather than family entertainment. Families seeking a rail journey together in Scotland or the UK may prefer a different train in the Palace Trains portfolio; ask our advisors and we can suggest options better suited to younger children.

As a heritage train with vintage-style carriages, cabins and step access, the Royal Scotsman has some physical limitations for guests with significant mobility needs — narrow corridors and cabin doorways are typical of trains of this era. We strongly recommend contacting Palace Trains directly before booking to discuss your specific requirements, so we can advise on the most suitable cabins and itinerary, or flag any limitations honestly in advance.

Given the remote Highland routes the train travels — through glens and along coastlines far from towns — mobile signal and connectivity can be patchy or unavailable for stretches of the journey. Many guests treat this as part of the appeal: a genuine chance to disconnect amid dramatic scenery. If staying reachable is essential, let us know when booking and we can advise on what to expect for your specific route.

Cabin space is generous for a train but naturally more limited than a hotel room, so we recommend packing efficiently with soft-sided luggage where possible. The crew handles your bags from the moment you arrive, so you won't be hauling suitcases through corridors yourself. Full luggage guidance for your specific itinerary is provided at the time of booking.

The fare covers your cabin, dining, most excursions and, for Grand Suite guests, transfers and a spa treatment — but gratuities for the onboard crew are customarily handled separately, as is common on journeys of this style. Palace Trains can advise on typical guidance for your departure so there are no surprises. We're happy to walk through exactly what is and isn't included before you book.

Where the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a glamorous, art-deco journey across continental Europe, the Royal Scotsman is smaller, slower-paced and unmistakably Scottish — an Edwardian country house rather than a jazz-age express, built around Highland landscapes rather than grand European cities. It carries far fewer guests (40 versus well over a hundred) and stables overnight rather than running through the night, which changes the rhythm of the trip considerably. Guests who want intimacy, whisky and glens should look to the Royal Scotsman; those wanting continental cities and Art Deco glamour will prefer its sibling.

Fares from £5,850 per person generally include your cabin, all onboard dining, most excursions along the route, and — for Grand Suite guests — private transfers and a complimentary spa treatment; exact inclusions vary by itinerary and duration (2 to 7 nights). Because pricing depends on your chosen route, season, and cabin category, we don't quote final prices here. Contact Palace Trains for a detailed, up-to-date quote for your dates.