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Royal Scotsman luxury tourist train acquired by Orient Express
Orient-Express Hotels has acquired the remaining half of The Royal Scotsman luxury tourist train from the L&R group for £1.4 million.
OEH will also assume around £1 million of debt.
The company acquired the initial 50% ownership of The Royal Scotsman in April 2005 for £700,000. It was originally intended that the additional 50% would be acquired in January 2008.
The Royal Scotsman is one of three luxury Orient-Express tourist trains in the UK. The British Pullman operates in the south of England in association with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continental train. The Northern Belle operates from a base in Manchester.
The deal brings the luxury tourist train operations to six within the company worldwide. The others are the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Europe, the Eastern & Oriental Express in South East Asia and the Hiram Bingham in Peru.
The Royal Scotsman accommodates 36 passengers served by a staff of 18, including two chefs, as it travels through Scotland. The train currently operates from April through October and has been in operation since 1985.
Nick Varian, the company’s vice-president, trains and cruises, said: “The Royal Scotsman established itself as a Scottish travel icon more than 20 years ago and fits very naturally with our trains portfolio.
“We became involved in the sales and marketing of the business two years ago when we acquired a stake and we have been able to expand the customer base within Europe, although Scotland will always be a favourite with guests from America as the train remains one of the best ways to experience Scotland’s scenic beauty, as well as its cultural and sporting highlights.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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