A quintessentially Scottish campaign aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Photos: courtesy of Belmond Royal Scotsman & John Hersey Studio
A window onto the sun rising over the Cairngorm peaks, casting golden light over Scotland’s rugged landscapes, misty lochs, snow-capped summits, rolling glens, and all the marvels unfolding before the enchanted eyes of the Royal Scotsman’s privileged guests.
The anticipation for The Belmond Royal Scotsman Train to arrive at the platform at Edinburgh Waverley station brought with it a rush of excitement. We planned a very detailed and tight schedule, as we knew we had only a short, privileged, time to photograph Araminta Campbell's hand-woven campaign. Yet, beyond the task ahead, we also knew that we would shortly be stepping into a moving sanctuary that would deserve a tip-toe entry...
Stepping aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman
is an experience that warms the heart, inspires the mind, and delights all the senses.
After a few moments indulging in the entrance lounge, where perfect strangers become friends over the finest spirits, we moved along wood-panelled corridors, casting quick but aware glances into the opulent cabins, as to absorb as much of that splendour as possible: a grandeur of yesteryear that finds its place into the world of contemporary luxury, exquisitely adorned with custom-designed tartans and tweeds combined with the finest wood marquetry and precious amenities.
Wrapped in exquisite sartorial garments and framed by the artistry of Araminta Campbell's most precious hand-woven shawls, with the extraordinary photographer John Hersey, we embraced every fleeting moment—each glance, each movement, each shift of light—capturing the most quintessentially Scottish campaign aboard the train before the arrival of its guests.
Then, right on time, the Royal Scotsman pulled away from the platform to the stirring sound of bagpipes. We watched it go as we indulged in a moment of celebration; still wrapped in the rush of achievement, filled with joy, we congratulated each other for the great job with gratitude swelling in our hearts, as we had lived, however fleetingly, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, forever immortalised in John Hersey’s extraordinary photographs.
The Royal Scotsman’s
Bespoke Tartan & Tweed
by Araminta Campbell
The incredible Scottish artisan and textile designer Araminta Campbell was commissioned to design the bespoke tweed and tartan for The Royal Scotsman, for use in their indulgent Grand Suites.
In each thread of The Royal Scotsman’s tartan and tweed lies a beautiful reflection of the untouched Scottish landscape and the illustrious journey that passengers embark upon when they board the Belmond train.
With Araminta’s signature mastery of storytelling through thread, she has crafted a bespoke design that not only exudes luxury but also narrates the enchanting journey awaiting travellers aboard the opulent Belmond Train. Each design element within the designs encapsulates the essence of the adventure and the timeless spirit of Scotland itself.
Scotland’s Ever-Changing Landscape
at the Design’s Core
As the wheels of The Royal Scotsman roll along its legendary routes, travellers are invited to immerse themselves in the splendour of Scotland’s wilderness. From the panoramic windows of the train, a vista unfolds—rolling hills adorned with hues of emerald, vast moors stretching to the horizon, and rugged cliffs meeting the sea. Each element of the design by Araminta is a homage to this journey, revealing a new facet of Scotland’s rugged charm.
Scotland’s ever-changing landscapes are the heartbeat of every Araminta Campbell’s creation. These natural wonders inspired her in the creation of the unique tweeds and tartans for the Grand Suites. With a deep reverence for Scottish heritage, Araminta creates a world where the majestic outdoors and refined interiors are in a constant, harmonious dialogue, celebrating the timeless beauty of Scotland.
Araminta’s Creative Process
A huge part of her creative process involves collecting objects from nature.
“Bird’s nests, from my view, they’re nature’s form of weaving,” Araminta explains.
“If you look at them and the craftsmanship involved, the way they layer the materials, they’re just exquisite. There’s just something in the beauty of nature that really captivates me. A walk when you’re looking up and the texture of the leaves. It can be any single moment.”
Within the tartan, Araminta has embellished the design with three sets of tram lines, like veins running through the fabric, these lines pay homage to the train’s most legendary journeys—Scotland’s Classic Splendours, Western Scenic Wonders, and Taste of the Highlands. The main check block holds the true essence of The Royal Scotsman tartan. Comprised of 37 threads, it stands as a tribute to every year the train has graced the Highlands with its presence. Each thread is a marker of time, reflecting memories and moments shared amidst the carriages of The Royal Scotsman train.
The complete set of the tartan, meticulously crafted from 514 threads, mirrors the very miles the train embarks upon during its journeys. In the soft green check of the tartan, 10 threads are delicately placed, each representing the 10 carriages that form the train, each thread carrying the dreams and aspirations of its passengers.
The colour palette for Belmond’s tartan and tweed designs are inspired by the untouched Scottish landscape. Emerald hues reflect the rolling hills, while deep, earthy tones capture the vast moors stretching to the horizon. Soft blues and greys evoke the snowy peaks of the mountains meeting the sea, blending seamlessly to tell the story of Scotland’s natural beauty in every thread.
