Taste of the Highlands Aboard The Royal Scotsman

Board Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley Station, ready to discover the legends and elements of Scotland in motion. On board, elegant interiors wrap you in the warmth of cashmere and tartan, interspersed with the best of modern Scottish design. Depart in the early afternoon and travel north to the 'Fair City' of Perth. Indulge in afternoon tea as the train continues on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl with its imposing white castle.
 
The rolling hills of Perthshire are replaced by more dramatic peaks and valleys as you travel north into the Highlands. Glide past Aviemore, gateway to the glorious Cairngorms National Park with its towering peaks, swathes of Caledonian forest and array of adventurous pursuits. Just beyond Aviemore is the village of Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. The train stops here for the night, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the Cairngorms. 
 
Enjoy dinner on board, a feast of the finest local ingredients, such as wild halibut, shetland Lobster and Aberdeen Angus beef. Chanterelles and wild garlic are foraged straight from Scotland’s wild larder. Afterwards, you are invited to enjoy lively entertainment in the Observation Car. With no more than 40 guests on board, expect kinship and hearty camaraderie, best celebrated over a local dram.

This morning, you travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus Forest is one of the largest and most important remnants of the native Caledonian pine forest which used to cover most of Scotland. Choose from a number of activities, including clay pigeon-shooting, archery, fishing or a guided tour of the estate with one of the park rangers. Afterwards, enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts as refreshments are served in their hunting lodge and you discover the rich history of this family-run estate.

Return to the train in Carrbridge for lunch before disembarking in Inverness to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last major battle fought on British soil on 16th April 1746. Listen to your local guide paint a vivid picture of how this battle changed the way of life in the Highlands forever.
 
From Nairn on the Moray Firth, travel east towards Keith. Enjoy an early evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, the oldest and one of the most picturesque working distilleries in the Highlands, and home to the malt which is incorporated into one of Scotland's most famous blends, Chivas Regal.
 
As the track rejoins the coast, soak up the spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. A splendid gala dinner is served, after which you’re invited to the Observation Car to enjoy some lively jazz music. At evening’s end, the plush bedding and cosy wood panelling of your cabin await.
 

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and travels south through the former Kingdom of Fife. After crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge, it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley Station, where your journey ends.