On the rails in Scotland

Q: My wife and I love travelling by train. We are visiting England and Scotland in August and would like to find out about luxury train trips during this period, but we would prefer not to leave the U.K. We would be grateful for any information.- Andrew Grey

A: Britain's most famous train, the Royal Scotsman, has a full itinerary of great trips around Scotland during August this year. Ranging from two to seven nights, there are five different routes to choose from. Life onboard the Edwardian-style train includes all meals, comfortable sleeping cars (the train stops every night so that you are assured a good night's sleep) and fantastic vistas from the Observation Car. A local clansman will entertain you with stories from the region after dinner. The two-night Highland journey goes via Inverness and Aberdeen to Dundee and back to Edinburgh. This journey is ideal for those who like outdoor activity - at Rothiemurchus Estate, for example, there will be the opportunity to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venturing out with the Estate's rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoying a Highland walk. The fare, which includes all food, alcohol, beverages and excursions, starts at a rather pricey 3610 US dollars per person. The four-night trip - regarded as the quintessential Royal Scotsman experience, follows the east coast up to Keith and then across to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton. It then heads for Inverness and then south to Perth. A private ceilidh at Strathisla and your personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens, are just two of the highlights. Along the way there is time and opportunity for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails. Fares start at 6620 US dollars. Check out the website (www.royalscotsman.com) or telephone 0845 077 2222.