The Royal Scotsman a Belmond Train – Bespoke Tartan & Tweed Story

Scotland’s Ever-Changing Landscape at the Design’s Core 

As the wheels of The Royal Scotsman roll along its legendary routes, travellers are invited to immerse themselves in the splendour of Scotland’s wilderness. From the panoramic windows of the train, a vista unfolds—rolling hills adorned with hues of emerald, vast moors stretching to the horizon, and rugged cliffs meeting the sea. Each element of the design by Araminta is a homage to this journey, revealing a new facet of Scotland’s rugged charm. 

Scotland’s ever-changing landscapes are the heartbeat of every Araminta Campbell creation. These natural wonders inspire her in the creation of the unique tweeds and tartans for the Grand Suites. With a deep reverence for Scottish heritage, Araminta creates a world where the majestic outdoors and refined interiors are in a constant, harmonious dialogue, celebrating the timeless beauty of Scotland. 

Araminta’s Creative Process 

A huge part of her creative process involves collecting objects from nature. “Bird’s nests, from my view, they’re nature’s form of weaving,” Araminta explains. “If you look at them and the craftsmanship involved, the way they layer the materials, they’re just exquisite. There’s just something in the beauty of nature that really captivates me. A walk when you’re looking up and the texture of the leaves. It can be any single moment.” 

It’s an organic process for Araminta, with the colours of the landscape in Scotland capable of changing in a second, making any moment a potential inspiration for her next design. Araminta Campbell says, “This design hasn’t just been taken from nowhere, it really captivates so many more core aspects of the incredible journey that is taken on The Royal Scotsman.” 

Royal Scotsman’s Story Embellished into the Design 

Within the tartan, Araminta has embellished the design with three sets of tram lines, like veins running through the fabric, these lines pay homage to the train’s most legendary journeys—Scotland’s Classic Splendours, Western Scenic Wonders, and Taste of the Highlands. The main check block holds the true essence of The Royal Scotsman tartan. Comprised of 37 threads, it stands as a tribute to every year the train has graced the Highlands with its presence. Each thread is a marker of time, reflecting memories and moments shared amidst the carriages of The Royal Scotsman train.  

The complete sett of the tartan, meticulously crafted from 514 threads, mirrors the very miles the train embarks upon during its journeys. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure that is ingrained into The Royal Scotsman. In the soft green check of the tartan, 10 threads are delicately placed, each representing the 10 carriages that form the train, each thread carrying the dreams and aspirations of its passengers. 

“It’s not just the skill of weaving, it’s the skill of craftsmanship and working with colour that I really love to do. Having the threads to work from is an essential part of the process. There’s a wonderful challenge in making sure that it works perfectly.”  The colour palette for Belmond’s tartan and tweed designs are inspired by the untouched Scottish landscape. Emerald hues reflect the rolling hills, while deep, earthy tones capture the vast moors stretching to the horizon. Soft blues and greys evoke the snowy peaks of the mountains meeting the sea, blending seamlessly to tell the story of Scotland’s natural beauty in every thread.  

With Araminta’s signature mastery of storytelling through thread, she has crafted a bespoke design that not only exudes luxury but also narrates the enchanting journey awaiting travellers aboard the opulent Belmond Train. Each design element within the designs encapsulates the essence of the adventure and the timeless spirit of Scotland itself.

A Dynamic Exchange with Belmond

Collaborating with Belmond on this bespoke design project has been an extraordinary experience. Their appreciation for craftsmanship and dedication to supporting artisan creators harmoniously aligns with our brand’s vision. The exquisite tartan and tweed designs were masterfully brought to life by our artisan partner mills in rural Scotland. This collaboration not only supports local communities but also preserves the traditional weaving skills that are at the heart of our heritage. 

Legendary Tales and Scotland in Motion