Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the luxury tourist train, The Royal Scotsman from the L&R Group. Orient-Express will acquire 50% of the shares in The Royal Scotsman from April 2005 and the balance will be acquired in three years.

The Royal Scotsman is one of the world's leading luxury trains and offers a variety of fully inclusive itineraries throughout Scotland. It accommodates just 36 guests in comfort and style with a staff of 12, including 2 chefs. Travelling through breathtaking landscapes, The Royal Scotsman provides guests with traditional Scottish hospitality and fine dining combined with sumptuous surroundings and attentive service.

It is not only the journey that makes this travel experience so memorable but the people and places of Scotland encountered along the way. Insider access to the region is provided with private visits to Scotland's most prestigious estates, gardens and distilleries all situated in exceptional countryside.

Nick Varian, Vice President of Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, said that The Royal Scotsman was a perfect complement to Orient-Express Hotels' existing portfolio of trains and other special travel experiences so the partnership was a natural one.

"The Royal Scotsman is an established name in luxury train travel and its unique range of rail journeys offers a leisurely and enjoyable way for the discerning traveller to experience the rural beauty and history of Scotland. Whether for a celebratory treat, weekend away or touring holiday, The Royal Scotsman is a ‘must do' for all luxury travel devotees. Together with the London based British Pullman carriages of the Orient-Express and Manchester based Northern Belle, we can now offer exceptional train journeys throughout the UK," added Mr. Varian.

The changing landscapes can be admired from the lounge or open verandah of the train's Observation Car, traditional Scottish fare enjoyed in one of the two dining cars or guests can simply unwind in their en-suite State Cabin, beautifully fitted out in rich woods and inlaid marquetry with a twist of Scottish decoration.

Itineraries start and end at Edinburgh Waverley Station and range from the one night ‘Wee Dram', giving guests a taste of Scotland's rich heritage to the seven night ‘Grand North Western', which is an opportunity to really savour The Royal Scotsman and the beauty and history of Scotland to the full. Two, three, four and five night itineraries are also available. Prices start from £610 per person.

Fergus Hobbs, Chairman of The Royal Scotsman said, "The Royal Scotsman and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express have set the standard for luxury train travel in the modern era. Scotland is a spectacular country and train is much the best way to see it. Life on board The Royal Scotsman is relaxed and akin to travelling with a country-house party. Our guests are sophisticated travellers from not only the UK but also all parts of the world, who come for the highest level of service, food and environment. There is enormous synergy between the two businesses and we are delighted to be working more closely with Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises.

www.orient-express.com