History and Design
Originally launched in May 1985, the train, in its current form, dates from May 1990. The owners put together a set of carriages (all rather different), which were rented in and called The Royal Scotsman, launching in the Spring of 1985. The carriage leases ran for five years and it was a success – the train won the Queen’s Award for Export.

After the initial five-year period elapsed, the decision was taken to purchase outright a different set of carriages, designed to the owners specifications. Working with designer James Park, ten Pullman carriages were subsequently bought and transformed with all the interior woodwork made to specification by a specialist woodworking company in Bournemouth and shipped to the construction site and installed. This second rake of carriages replaced the first in May 1990. The new rake incorporated many improvements – each cabin now had its own private facilities, steam heating was replaced by electric heating, seating for all at the same time in the Observation and Dining Cars and capacity moved from twenty-eight to thirty-two. In 1997, the capacity was further increased from thirty-two to thirty-six to provide sixteen twin and four single state cabins.

Owned by Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises and operated by The Great Scottish & Western Railway Company, today's Royal Scotsman set is thus the second to carry its name. The running order of The Royal Scotsman carriages is: Observation Car with verandah viewing platform; Dining Car Number One (Raven); Dining Car Number Two (Victory); State Car number one, two, three, four and five; and a Service Car. The sequence is in running order from the rear so guests can best enjoy the passing countryside.

At one end of the train is perhaps the most distinctive vehicle, the open-ended Observation Car, converted from the Pullman kitchen car, Snipe. Originally built in 1960 by the Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company, it entered service in 1961 as a First Class kitchen car. In 1989, the car was bought from its private owner, Michael Bailiss, and converted it to its current luxury configuration, able to comfortably hold all thirty-six guests at any time.

Adjacent to this is Dining Car Number One, which is still referred to by its former Pullman car name, Raven. Colin Angell, a firm of cabinet makers from Evesham, Worcestershire, won the contract to transform a 1962 second-class Pullman carriage into Raven, with a capacity for twenty guests.

Next in the formation is Dining Car Number Two, known as Victory and so called since it was built in 1945. Victory was built as a London & North Eastern Railway Director's Saloon and acquired from Sir Bill McAlpine. The transformation was completed in a number of weeks - from its bright orange curtains and brushed aluminum fittings to wood paneling, inlaid with intricate marquetry, mahogany veneer cupboards and specially made dining chairs and tables – not to mention a state of the art modern kitchen. Eight marquetry panels with intricate designs of thistles, flowing ribbons and butterflies line the walls and an inlaid frieze of several different woods runs on into the corridors. Victory can accommodate up to sixteen guests, ensuring all guests can dine at the same sitting, across the two dining cars.

The five State Sleeping Cars follow. These cars, like the Verandah car, were originally built as Pullman Cars in 1960 by the Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company.

The sleeping cars provide sixteen twin cabins and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry. All cabins have fixed, lower beds, dressing table, full-length wardrobe, individually controlled heating, cooling ceiling fans, opening windows and cabin service call button. Each cabin has its own private facilities with shower, wash-basin and toilet and a constant supply of hot water.
 

The Observation Car
At one end of the train is perhaps the most distinctive vehicle, the open-ended Observation Car, converted from the Pullman kitchen car, Snipe. Originally built in 1960 by the Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company, the Observation Car entered service in 1961 as a First Class kitchen car. In 1989, the car was bought from its private owner, Michael Bailiss, and converted it to its current luxury configuration, able to comfortably hold all thirty-six guests at any time. The Edwardian splendour of The Royal Scotsman's Observation Car provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the delights of a luxury rail holiday or vacation.

Its many windows give a panoramic view of the constantly changing scenery, which 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 Cars
The Royal Scotsman has two Dining Cars, named Raven and Victory, offering respectively a capacity of twenty and sixteen guests.

Dining on The Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as the best in any hotel in the world.

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 paneling 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.

What your Journey Price Includes
Prices include State Cabins in twin or single accommodation with private shower and toilet, table d'hôte meals daily, all alcoholic and other beverages, entertainment, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries and all applicable taxes. Prices do not include insurance, gratuities for Crew members and souvenirs.