Alan Cumming’s opulent railway odyssey aboard Scotland’s poshest train, the Royal Scotsman, reaches its terminus, but not before a few more scenic detours and unexpected encounters. This week’s itinerary includes a pilgrimage to the sacred Isle of Iona, a nautical jaunt past Fingal’s Cave, and a private tour of Scone Palace courtesy of Lady Mansfield herself.
Iona, considered the cradle of Christianity in Scotland, offers a glimpse into the nation’s spiritual heritage, while the rarely-seen Iona Marble Quarry adds a touch of industrial history to the mix. Cumming’s maritime excursion past Fingal’s Cave provides a dramatic visual counterpoint to the train’s terrestrial travels. At Scone Palace, Lady Mansfield regales Cumming with tales of Marie Antoinette and Dido Belle, adding a dash of royal intrigue to the proceedings.
Back on dry land, Cumming’s visit to the V&A Dundee turns into a self-referential moment as he discovers his own tartan-clad likeness featured in an exhibition. A chance meeting with a fellow thespian further reveals a shared Broadway past, proving that even on a remote Scottish isle, the world of show business remains remarkably interconnected.
Finally, before the Royal Scotsman chugs back to Edinburgh, a traditional ceilidh erupts on a train platform, providing a fittingly festive send-off for Cumming and his fellow passengers. One imagines there might be a few misty eyes as farewells are exchanged, marking the end of a journey that’s been as much about personal reflection as it has about luxurious travel.
All Aboard! Scotland’s Poshest Train airs Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4.
