Locomotive-loving Londoners, listen up – because I come bearing some rail-y great news. One of the world’s oldest named railway services is returning to the capital city, ready to reclaim its iconic mid-morning slot in the schedule. The Flying Scotsman service dates all the way back to 1862, but before adopting its current name in 1924 was known as the Special Scotch Express. The service became famous for its simultaneous 10am departures from both London and Edinburgh, earning itself quite the reputation in the railway world.
Whilst it has always remained part of the London North Eastern Rail (LNER) network in some capacity, the Flying Scotsman services have been reduced over the years. Since 2011, the service has only run from Edinburgh (departing at 6am), with no northbound equivalent operating from London. But that’s about to change.
LNER’s new Flying Scotsman service
Paying homage to the history and heritage of the iconic service; LNER will be reinstating the route from London King’s Cross as of May 18. The London to Edinburgh service will depart from King’s Cross at 10.30am, and the service from Edinburgh will also be returning to its traditional 10am position on the timetable.
Despite the London service not returning to its exact original schedule spot; the new departures reflect the route’s roots as closely as possible within today’s rail network. And the revival of this iconic service from London is a nostalgic nod to the railway’s lengthy history. The Flying Scotsman service will use LNER Azuma trains (and not the vintage steam train that shares the service’s name).
On the first day of the new service’s departure (Monday, May 18), travelers can expect in-station performances from Celtic rock band, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, as well as an on-board array of Scottish grub. First-class passengers will also be treated to a special Scottish-themed Flying Scotsman menu to mark the occasion.
Tim Dunn, railway historian and broadcaster, said: “The Flying Scotsman service is one of the most powerful names through a century of British railway travel. It is synonymous with speed, punctuality, regularity and quality. In its early years, it became famous for its simultaneous 10am departures from both London and Edinburgh, so bringing today’s timetable much closer to that is a wonderful nod to its truly iconic heritage.”
