A Taste of Scotland with Lorna McNee 2027
Lorna McNee earned Cail Bruich its Michelin star just five months after joining as Head Chef, which gives some indication of the speed and confidence she brings to a kitchen. On this two-night journey she brings that same quality to the Royal Scotsman, cooking in the Highlands for a small group of guests who appreciate exceptional food in exceptional surroundings.
Chef Lorna McNee
Born and raised in Dallas, a small village in Moray, Lorna McNee trained as a sous-chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel, widely regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Scotland. She was named National Scottish Chef of the Year in 2017 and won Great British Menu in 2019, before joining Glasgow's Cail Bruich as Head Chef. Just five months later the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, a recognition that reflected both her technical skill and her deep understanding of Scottish produce. Her cooking is rooted in the Scottish larder and shaped by classical training of the highest order.
This is a round trip from Edinburgh Waverley, past the rolling hills of Perthshire and into the Cairngorms, returning along the east coast. It is a lovely way to discover Scotland’s remarkable produce in the company of fellow food lovers. Your fare covers your cabin on board and all meals and drinks, alcoholic drinks included, with one dinner and a barbecue lunch created and hosted by Lorna herself. There is also an exclusive session with the wine merchants L’Art du Vin, who will introduce you to organic and biodynamic wines made by artisan and ethical producers, and a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with lunch in the gardens of The Doune House.
Estimated departure: 1:45pm, estimated arrival 10:05am. Timings are indicative and subject to national railway constraints, so please check your final itinerary for confirmed timings.
Day by Day Itinerary
Edinburgh to Boat of Garten
You step aboard the Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley in the early afternoon and head north for a journey built around good food. Champagne Afternoon Tea is served as the train passes Perth and runs on through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, where the castle looks out over the valley, with the hills of Perthshire rising and changing around you all the while. It is a very good way to spend an afternoon.
The scenery grows wilder as the train enters the Highlands and heads towards Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. By evening you have arrived at the Highland village of Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway, where a champagne reception gets the evening started. Dinner follows, a refined four-course menu from Lorna McNee that shows off the best of Scottish produce with the technique that earned her a Michelin star. It is an exceptional first evening in a beautifully tranquil spot.
Boat of Garten to Dundee via Rothiemurchus and Carrbridge
After breakfast it is only a short coach ride to Rothiemurchus Estate, deep in the Cairngorms National Park, and the morning offers a real choice of Highland pursuits. You could try clay pigeon shooting, go fishing, join a tour of the estate or head out on a guided hike with one of the park rangers.
Lunch is with Lorna, who hosts a barbecue in the gardens of The Doune House on the estate, with the mountains of the Cairngorms as a breathtaking backdrop. Cooking of this quality outdoors, in a setting like this, makes it one of the most memorable meals of the journey.
The train is waiting at Carrbridge, and a champagne reception begins as you set off south. The route follows the east coast down through Aberdeenshire and Angus towards Dundee, the City of Discovery, on the banks of the Firth of Tay. This evening is the gala dinner, so it is the night to dress up. Afterwards Lorna joins guests in the Observation Car for lively music, farewell drinks and toasts to a wonderful couple of days.
Dundee to Edinburgh
Enjoy a final breakfast as the train leaves Dundee and heads south through the former Kingdom of Fife. Crossing the Forth Railway Bridge is the perfect finale to a Scottish rail journey, the Victorian engineering every bit as impressive now as it was when the bridge opened in 1890. Edinburgh Waverley follows shortly after, where your journey comes to an end.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
Departure Dates
2027
Other dates are sold out or yet to be released. Please call us to check availability.
Prices Per Cabin
| Accommodation | Price Per Cabin |
|---|---|
| Double Suite | from £16,215 |
| Twin Suite | from £16,215 |
| Grand Suite | from £28,000 |