World famous train returns to Scotland – here’s what you need to know

THE WORLD’S most famous steam train is back in Scotland this October as it returns for an incredible trip to the Highlands.

Trainspotters can catch a glimpse of The Flying Scotsman as it travels from Edinburgh through to Inverness later this year.

1

The iconic 100-year-old engine is set to haul a number of mainline steam tours from the Scottish capital.

The 60103 locomotive will spend three days pulling into stations in Aberdeen and Inverness while travelling via Perth.

The trip is being organised by The Railway Touring Company alongside the National Railway Museum.

Here is everything you need to know about The Flying Scotsman and where to see it.

What is The Flying Scotsman?

It is an express passenger train which has operated between Edinburgh and London via the East Coast Main Line.

The service began in 1862 but it was given the famous name in 1924 in tribute to its impressive speed.

When it first began, it took around ten-and-a-half hours to make the journey.

But by 1928 it was given a new type of tender with a corridor.

This meant that a whole new crew could take over the train without it ever stopping, leading to the first-ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service.

This reduced the journey time to just eight hours.

On a special test run in 1934, it reached speeds of 100mph, making it the first train in the UK o reach that speed.

Where can I see the Flying Scotsman?

The Highland Express special train will leave Edinburgh Waverley train station diesel-hauled on Saturday, October 7.

It will then travel up to Inverness on a route via Perth.

It will return later that evening with The Flying Scotsman at its head.

The following day The Fife Circular will offer journeys in the company in the company of the incredible locomotive.

The trips would be shorter and are set to take place in the morning, afternoon and evening.

On Tuesday, October 10, it will then take The Aberdeen Flyer up to the city.

No exact timings have been shared for safety reasons.

Andrew McLean, assistant director and head curator at the National Railway Museum, told the Press and Journal: “Following a number of highly successful trips to Scotland already this year including a visit to Aberdeen, we are pleased to be working with The Railway Touring Company once again on a series of new tour dates for Flying Scotsman which set off from Edinburgh – the birthplace of Sir Nigel Gresley.”

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200