All Aboard! Scotland's Poshest Train.

"All Aboard! Scotland's Poshest Train" delivers a fun and intimate insight into the inner workings of The Royal Scotsman Luxury Train. In the show, we see celebrated Scottish Actor, Alan Cumming, revel in the sheer opulence of this Belmond train and gain access to some of the country's most fascinating and beautiful destinations. After many years of selling journeys on this incredible train, it was an absolute delight for me to be able to witness the beauty of not only the train itself but of the rugged Scottish Highlands it traverses through too. The show takes you behind the scenes and shows you all the hard work and passion that goes into these luxurious journeys. From the chefs creating flawless meals from within a tiny onboard kitchen to the dedication and experience of the train manager and his steward team.

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As with all of the Royal Scotsman’s adventures, Alan’s journey begins at Edinburgh Waverley Station where he and his fellow guests are greeted with a traditional piper on the platform! An invigorating start to an unforgettable experience. Guests are welcomed aboard with a red carpet and a chilled glass of champagne before setting off into the magical Scottish Highlands. On this particular leg, the train leaves Edinburgh and passes through Glasgow, after which, the cityscape begins to transform into lush green scenery. The Royal Scotsman then joins the famous ‘West Highland Line’ - one of the most scenic railway lines in the world. Through the windows of the train, the scenes are unlike any other - glimmering lochs, towering mountains and lush woodlands filled with dense ferns and rich purple heather. These unique vistas are viewed from the comfort of the Grand Observation Car -  just one of the Scotsman’s ten carriages. The train also features two dining cars, a fully formed yet miniature kitchen and 22 bedroom cabins, staff quarters and even an on-board spa! The Highlands-inspired treatment list can be found here.

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When Alan is shown to his accommodation, I recognise it as Cabin V - complete with a double bed, desk, picture window and an ensuite bathroom with a toilet, washbasin and shower - equipped with luxury toiletries. This cabin is a mini sanctuary, adorned with rich woods and the highest quality bedding. The Scotsman also offers twin cabins and has recently announced the arrival of the magnificent Grand Suites. You can find more information about those here.

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As the train meanders through the bonny banks of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, afternoon tea is served in courses so you can savour it slowly and leisurely as you take in the vast beauty of “The Queen of Scotland’s Lakes”. As well as tiny sandwiches and the usual scones, jam and cream, a selection of beautiful cakes are brought out, including an iced raspberry slice, pebbled pecan tart and a cherry bakewell slice - especially provided for Alan's vegan diet. (The Royal Scotsman can cater to almost all dietary requirements) A strong start indeed, but nothing compared to the culinary excellence that is still to come.

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The thing I found most interesting about this series was the exclusive access into how a well-oiled hospitality machine like this runs so successfully. After having worked in hospitality myself for almost a decade, I had never experienced attention to detail quite like this. For example, a kitchen as small as the Royal Scotsman’s requires an unimaginable amount of preparation from the chefs. To ensure that breakfast, lunch and dinner service runs smoothly, ingredients need to be perfectly prepped and stored in this tiny space. Head Chef Mark Tamburrini discusses the thought and care that goes into his menu - details as fine as not making or serving certain dishes while the train is going over a particularly shaky part of land so as not to cause any spillages. The train runs from April to October every year and each member of staff works on board for 5 weeks before the season even begins. Perfection is strived for on this train and it is very much achieved.

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As the train passes through Bridge of Orchy - The gateway to the Northern Highlands - guests can freshen up and return to the Observation Car for a cocktail. The layout of this car has been carefully designed to encourage socialising. People from all over the world travel to Edinburgh to experience the Royal Scotsman and, with a maximum guest capacity of only 40, you'll be sure to forge some new friendships along the way! The same goes for the dining setup; with long banquet-style tables set up in each restaurant car, guests are invited to sit wherever they'd like for dinner - which makes for an intimate and joyful experience. The meals on board are a mix of casual and fine dining styles. During your first evening, dinner is a chance to eat, drink, relax and get to know your fellow travellers whereas on the final night of every journey, a formal Gala Dinner is served, which calls for black tie. (kilts for the gentlemen are encouraged! If you do not own one, they can be hired) Each dish on board has been crafted with locally sourced ingredients and combines traditional Scottish delicacies with a fine-dining flair.

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As the tables are cleared and the champagne continues to flow, the train pulls up at Spean Bridge Station - where it will stay overnight. Every night, the train will remain at a stand-still in a private Highland station. This way, guests can get the most peaceful sleep possible and won't miss any of the incredible scenery. After dinner, everyone is invited back to the Observation Car for traditional live music and more drinks. The atmosphere is unlike anything else - pure electricity and joy. After this party on wheels, it's time to retire to the cabin for a well-earned sleep.

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The Royal Scotsman's off-board itineraries have been meticulously created to get the best out of this incredible country. As the chefs prepare breakfast, guests have the choice to relax on board or take a morning walk with an insightful guide. Alan opts for the morning walk in episode one and enjoys a brisk walk up a hill to the Commando Memorial - Three statues of Royal Marines Commandos cast in bronze looking out over the breathtaking mountains of Lochaber. A powerful sight. Back on the Royal Scotsman, breakfast is served and the train begins its journey towards Fort William. The train eventually pulls into Arisaig (which, in Gaelic means safe place) to explore a selection of beautiful sandy beaches which stretch from Arisaig to Morar. These beaches have been named some of the most beautiful in the UK. Guests are invited to relax and wander freely around and, in true Belmond style, a crisp glass of late-morning champagne is on offer.

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And there you have it. 24 hours on the Royal Scotsman. Want to know more? Click here to watch the full episode and tune in on Sundays from 8 pm to see everything else Alan gets up to on his Highland Fling.

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Want to experience it for yourself? Click here to find out more about the many Royal Scotsman adventures on offer.

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And don't forget; you can get £500 off with the code ALLABOARD