Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train is set to introduce two new Grand Suites in May 2024, which have been designed by Tristan Auer to mirror the look and feel of a classic country house.

Drawing inspiration from Scottish culture and the country’s natural beauty, the interiors will fuse a palette of green, grey, beige and blue tones with handcrafted wallcoverings, upholstery and furniture. Local materials like stone and wood will also be abundant in the en suite bathrooms, while decorative patterns echo Edwardian flair, Pictish stones motifs and Celtic symbolism.

Dark wooden wall panelling embellished with intricate marquetry forms the backdrop for a double bed with embossed bedhead, dressing table with stool, Scottish larch dining table, and sumptuous sofa and armchair. The armchair is a tribute to the Orkney Chair; an iconic piece of furniture originating in the namesake Scottish archipelago over a century ago. Traditionally handmade with driftwood gathered from the shoreline and with no set design instructions, no chair is the same. For the Grand Suites, the Scottish design staple has been interpreted in a more contemporary light, and upholstered with textiles from Scottish brand Araminta Campbell.

“It was a pleasure to work with Royal Scotsman, a brand that – very much like Araminta Campbell – is committed to keeping Scottish ancient crafts and traditions alive for generations to come,” comments founder and Creative Director Araminta Birse-Stewart. “The bespoke tweeds and tartans that we created for Royal Scotsman are all woven in rural mills in Scotland and reflect the country’s untouched beauty as well as the astonishing history of the train. Every detail is painstakingly curated to inspire travellers to embrace the magic of the highlands.”

The bespoke design of tartan covering the armchair and sofa is imbued with references to the train itself; three sets of tram lines depict three of the train’s most renowned journeys – Scotland’s Classic Splendours, Western Scenic Wonders and Taste of the Highlands. Meanwhile, the bespoke tartan’s main check block is made up of 37 threads – one for every year the train has been touring.

The new suites will increase the train’s accommodation categories to four: Grand Suites, Double, Twin and Single cabins.