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Discover 8 favourite Scottish railways this Burns Night

Discover 8 favourite Scottish railways this Burns Night as we take you on a special online tour. From the impressive Highlands to the fascinating birthplace of Robert Burns himself. So grab a cuppa, get cosy and let us inspire you to take a journey through the beautiful landscapes of Scotland.

Burns Night is a much-loved Scottish tradition that takes place on 25 January, plays tribute to the life and cultural legacy of Robert Burns, not just in Scotland but all over the world.

Far North Line

Inverness to Thurso/Wick

To kick off our Burns Night tour, we start in the far north of Scotland with the aptly named Far North Line. This scenic route follows the North Sea coast from Inverness passing distilleries, salmon rivers and golf courses. The journey leads you to Thurso, the northernmost town on the British mainland and then onwards to the historic fishing port of Wick. Find out more…

View of water and hillside on a sunny day in Helmsdale, Far North Line

Helmsdale | Far North Line

Borders Railway

Edinburgh to Tweedbank

The next stop on our special Burns Night tour is the beautiful Borders Railway. Take a trip along this line to explore historic mining villages and peak into Scottish mining history with a visit to the National Mining Museum. As the line stretches further from the capital, the train passes through the picturesque rolling hills of the Scottish Borders that was once home to historic novelist, Sir Walter Scott. Find out more…

Train travelling through lush green Scottish landscapes, Borders Railway

Borders Railway

South West Scotland

Gretna Green to Stranraer via Dumfries and Kilmarnock

It wouldn’t be a Burns Night tour without including the South West Scotland Line. Travel across the landscapes that inspired the famous poet as you journey from Gretna Green to Kilmarnock. Stop off at Dumfries to explore Robert Burns House and then catch the local bus from Ayr to visit Burns’ Birthplace Museum. Find out more…

View from the New Bridge over the River Ayr towards the sea, over the piers of the former railway bridge along the South West Scotland line.

Ayr | South West Scotland

Highland Main Line

Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness via Perth

We’re headed to the Scottish Highlands for our next Burns Night online tour stop. Explore the majestic Highland Perthshire hills, the spectacular Cairngorms National Park and the sparkling Spey Valley as you journey along the Highland Main Line. You’ll want your camera at the ready for this route! Find out more…

Train travelling through the Drumochter Pass along the Highland Main Line.

Highland Main Line

Strathallan Line

Stirling to Perth

See the Scottish landscape like never before as you pass historic towns and pretty villages following the peaceful riverbanks of Allan Water as you journey by train along the Strathallan Line. Keen walkers will enjoy exploring Gleneagles, famous for its golf courses but it also boasts plenty of walking options into the glens and peaks of the Ochils. Find out more…

Shimmering loch with rugged mountains in the background reflected in the water

Strathallan

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Line

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

We head to the coast for the next stop on our Burns Night online tour. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Line, travelling coast to coast across the Highlands, in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs and wide open moors. Find out more…

Stunning scenery along the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line.

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Line

East Lothian Line

Edinburgh to North Berwick

Onwards with our tour as we take a scenic trip along the East Lothian Line connecting the cultural Edinburgh to the charming seaside town of North Berwick. This route provides some picturesque scenery from the train window and makes a great day trip from the capital. Within 35 minutes you’ll be exploring North Berwick with its award-winning beaches, vibrant high street and bustling harbour. Find out more…

North Berwick Law along the East Lothian Line, Scotland

North Berwick | East Lothain

West Highland Line

Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William & Glasgow to Oban

As we approach the last stop on our special Burns Night online tour, we sense magic in the air! Some of you may recognise part of this railway being featured in films and tv, most notably it’s used as the journey to Hogwarts in Harry Potter. However there’s lots more to explore along the West Highland Line with picture-perfect panoramic views of sparkling lochs and majestic mountains. Be sure to bring your hiking boots and camera along for this ride! Find out more…

Glennfinnan Viaduct, West HIghland Line | Photo: Pixabay

Glennfinnan Viaduct |West HIghland Line

Thank you for joining us on our special Burns Night online tour of Scottish railways. Did we feature your favourite?

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Experience Scotland by train, home to epic natural landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage.

Train with mountains in the background