If vintage transport is your thing, you’ll be familiar with the Flying Scotsman. The train service, which became famous for its simultaneous 10am departures from London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, dates back to 1862.
Avid ferroequinologists and budding trainspotters will also know that the Scotsman is one of the world’s oldest named railway services which is still in continuous operation.
But in recent years the Flying Scotsman has lost some of its va va voom. It has been reduced to the early morning service from Edinburgh, leaving before 6am, with no equivalent from London, meaning it no longer holds the 10am timetable slots which made it so iconic.
At least, that was the case until now, because LNER is reviving the historic service. In a nod to its early days, trains will now depart from Edinburgh at 10am and from London at 10.30am.
Starting on May 18, the new departures will use LNER Azuma trains. The London service will set off from King’s Cross, calling at York (12.16pm), Newcastle (1.11pm) and Edinburgh Waverley (2.39pm).
If you happen to snag a trip on the first train out, expect to mark the occasion in proper Scottish style. There’ll be in-station performances from Celtic rock band The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and a special onboard selection of haggis, neeps and tatties. Plus, anyone with the cash for first class will be treated to a Scottish-themed Flying Scotsman menu. Slàinte mhath to that.
For anyone whose train knowledge leaves something to be desired, we should say that the Flying Scotsman service shouldn’t be confused with the old-fashioned steam train of the same name (pictured above) which became the first to officially reach 100mph. If you happen to show up to Edinburgh Waverley expecting a vintage locomotive, you may be disappointed.
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