A red carpet will be laid over the platform at Dumfries station next month when a vintage diesel locomotive nicknamed “Zombie” hauls one of the world’s poshest trains from the town.
Then passengers will be handed a welcome glass of champagne as they board the Northern Belle ready for a slap-up trip to York and Scarborough on Saturday, July 16.
The train, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, was described by actor Bill Nighy as “the Grand Duchess of luxury travel” during a Channel 5 TV programme last year.
The seven umber and cream coloured 1930s-style Pullman carriages are all individually hand-decorated with intricate tapestries, marquetry and murals.
And as well as a cordon bleu chef, the train also has its own resident musicians and a conjuror.
Boss David Pitts boasts that “nothing is too good” for the 200 pampered passengers who are forking out £370 each for the
trip.
For their money, they will get a three-course brunch during the journey to Yorkshire, followed by a gourmet seven-course lunch with wine on the way home in the evening.
Hauling the Northern Belle will be a vintage Class 57 diesel locomotive, affectionately nicknamed Zombies by trainspotters and railway enthusiasts. Mr Pitts said: “We are hoping to use one called Scarborough Castle as the train is going to Scarborough. But we cannot confirm that yet.
“However, whichever locomotive hauls the train it is certain to be a lovely day out.”
The Northern Belle will depart Dumfries at 8.10am and is scheduled to arrive back at 10pm.
For more details, phone 01270 899681 or see www.northernbelle.co.uk.
