For those who dream of experiencing Scotland in unparalleled luxury, The Royal Scotsman by Belmond offers a rail journey through the Highlands that’s nothing short of opulent—if you can stomach the price. Channel 4’s recent show All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train, hosted by Alan Cumming, lets viewers indulge in the fantasy of this sumptuous rail journey without the hefty £7,000 price tag.
Cumming’s exploration of the train, which runs seasonally through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes, is part insider’s guide, part travel escapism. He joins the trip both as a passenger and staff member, immersing himself in the extravagant offerings and top-tier service that have made The Royal Scotsman a bucket-list item for train enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike.
An Escape into Opulence
The show follows Cumming as he walks viewers through every part of the train’s indulgent offerings. With commentary that describes each meal as “gourmet masterpieces” and “decadent,” the food scenes read like an ode to high cuisine. For instance, guests are treated to dishes like “succulent loin of wild venison” draped in “decadent pork jus” and “exquisite” thyme-roasted celeriac—each meal more lavish than the last.
The Royal Scotsman isn’t just a train; it’s a five-star hotel on wheels. With plush interiors, polished wooden finishes, and crystal glassware, the experience is meant to transport guests back to the golden age of rail travel. Staff go to great lengths to maintain this air of elegance, with the program highlighting that over 100,000 pieces of cutlery are polished every season—a detail that feels both charmingly archaic and fitting for the train’s ethos of “unbridled opulence.”
The Price of Luxury: A £7,000 Reality Check
While travel shows often bypass cost discussions, Cumming candidly addresses the train’s premium. For a three-day journey, prices can reach £7,000 per person. During one scene, Cumming meets an American banker who, astonishingly, is on the trip with his five daughters and their husbands, though it remains unclear if he’s footing the bill for the entire family. Such details underscore the exclusivity of the experience—this train is tailored for those who view such costs as part of an unforgettable travel experience.
A Glimpse into Highland Splendor
The Royal Scotsman is known for weaving through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, and the show gives viewers ample opportunity to take in sweeping shots of the Highlands. As with many travel documentaries, the historical and cultural insights shared are more decorative than informative, providing charming snippets about Scotland’s past rather than in-depth commentary. Still, the rich visuals and occasional nuggets of local lore allow viewers to imagine life on board, filled with champagne toasts and picturesque backdrops.
A Journey for the Lucky Few
While the show is undeniably a piece of glossy, escapist entertainment, it also subtly acknowledges the exclusivity of such a journey. Cumming’s focus remains largely on the train’s luxurious amenities and his own experiences rather than on those of the passengers. This focus makes All Aboard! less a travel documentary than a high-end lifestyle showcase, designed to leave viewers marveling at Scotland’s poshest train while quietly wondering if they should start saving.
Ultimately, Cumming’s journey aboard The Royal Scotsman provides an enjoyable peek into the world of luxury rail travel, presenting The Royal Scotsman as a rolling palace where every detail—from the velvet upholstery to the sparkling glassware—exists to delight. Though the cost places it out of reach for many, Channel 4’s latest travel show offers a virtual ticket to this unique experience, allowing us to dream of drifting through the Highlands in sumptuous comfort.
