New Covid restrictions put luxury Scottish train trips off track

Two Champagne Christmas Lunch trips aboard one of the world’s most luxurious trains have been temporarily derailed by the Scottish government’s new Covid-19 restrictions.
The loco Lancashire Fusilier pulling the Northern BelleThe loco Lancashire Fusilier pulling the Northern Belle
The loco Lancashire Fusilier pulling the Northern Belle

More than 300 passengers should have tucked into a slap-up seven-course meal aboard the Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, on December 4 and 5.

But the lockdown means that the two trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow have had to be called off and rearranged for December 21, with possibly a second train running the following day.

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A spokesman said: “Obviously we regret the inconvenience. But this was out of our hands and in view of Covid-19 we all understand why the Scottish government has had to take this action.

It's a cracker.. Christmas dining on board the Northern BellIt's a cracker.. Christmas dining on board the Northern Bell
It's a cracker.. Christmas dining on board the Northern Bell

“However, we hope to be back on track on December 21 with a festive five-hour journey through the wintry Scottish countryside to get everybody in the Christmas spirit.

“As well as champagne and a seven-course lunch with wine, we also have wandering musicians on board and there will even be conjuror to add an extra touch of magic.

“One lucky passenger could even find him or herself sitting in the same seat the Queen once used as one of our luxury 1930s-style Pullman carriages once formed part of her Royal Train.”

Passengers booked on the two cancelled trains who cannot make the revised date will be offered either a full refund or a VIP credit card with an extra £100 added to book on any future service.

The Northern Belle all spruced-up for Christmas tripsThe Northern Belle all spruced-up for Christmas trips
The Northern Belle all spruced-up for Christmas trips

Tickets for the train cost £289. For further details or to book phone 01270 899681 or see www.northernbelle.co.uk.

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