I’m a world full of comprehensive, full breakdown and on the nose factual reporting, sometimes “it’s just really nice” sums it all up perfectly. Thanks for another good and interesting travel video Tim.
Great video and certainly very well presented. I've just booked a short stay in Inverness for my wife and I, followed by 2 nights in Glasgow, so we'll be booking this service soon, at least we will be, when the cheap advance tickets become available. We are travelling initially from Newcastle, so might travel to Inverness on LNER, as they offer a direct service. We like the LNER first class, having had several Edinburgh to Newcastle trips, so maybe it's time we give ScotRail a try.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. LNER 1st class is excellent, the Scotrail offering, in my opinion falls a long way behind by comparison.
Great video Tim, really glad you both enjoyed the trip, you certainly wouldn't have arrived feeling so happy if you'd had got a class 170! You'd likely have been stood up for 4 hours! I really wish Scotrail would make full use of the first class catering service they could offer when it returns. Going by my observations pre covid, they have a fully functional buffet car which can offer hot meals or at the very least hot snacks but they insist on using a trolley instead with one member of staff who has to serve the entire train. First class passengers could be offered hot food included in the price of their ticket, instead they get offered water and shortbread and they only get offered that once no matter how long their journey may be. Anything else has to be bought. The whole catering and first class service could offer so much more. Apart from the comfortable seats and a bit of peace away from the normals, Scotrail first class isn't really worth it in my opinion
Hey Jamie, thanks for watching. You’d mentioned before about your thoughts on Scotrail catering so I’m glad you commented. I agree with what you’re saying. I sometimes think Scotrail take the mickey with their 1st class fares and what you get for that. If the railways are going to get close to pre-COVID levels there has to be more on offer than getting from A to B on longer intercity routes. When you see what other operators like Avanti and LNER are offering in 1st class, Scotrail are falling short. To be honest, I wanted to do the HST and I’m glad I did. The 1st class upgrade was a bit of an impulsive decision. With decent catering it could be so much better.
Watching this from New Zealand- fantastic video. I look forward to some train travel in Scotland on my next visit to the UK . I hope that you are getting suitably rewarded by the Scottish Tourism Board.
Great to see Mrs Tim’s Travels gracing us with her presence again , she appeared to enjoy the trip . You may already know , or maybe not , the Aussies still operate their version of the HST , known as the XPT on its mainline routes in NSW and also interstate from Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane . Classic old ladies . The First class experience looked so comfortable . Cheers and looking forward to more of your travels 👍
Thanks for watching David. Aye, Mrs TT enjoyed the HST run - she is very patient with me as she gets dragged all over the country. 1st class was very comfy indeed. Am I right in thinking that the XPT days are numbered?
@@Timstravels01 . I’m sure Mrs TT would get on with my wife , who also gets “ dragged “ around airshows in particular , although I can’t recall her whinging when we went to the Paris Airshow or Singapore 😀. Yes the XPT Is supposedly being phased out from 2023 by the CAF Civity train , however , in true Aussie style it’s anyones guess if it actually happens , just don’t hold your breath . We are back in the UK for the month of May , a ride or two on real trains await 👍.
I have to say Tim I’m Scottish and I live in Spain next year I’m going to Scotland in summer and I just drive myself nuts with the inter7city first class I can wait to ride it. I propose you to do the full journey from Edinburgh To Aberdeen
I don’t think they will because Inter8city doesn’t sound to good and also Dunfermline doesn’t get any long distance scotrails anyway just Regional ones.
@@Timstravels01 Not going to Scotland until September. Figured taking a train up through the heart of Scotland isn't something I'm going to do every day, so might as well make the most of it and pay the extra 25 pounds (or $40 Canadian). Got some good deals on my other rail travel up from London
I love the 125s Tim.i don't allways get one on my journeys south sadly sometimes its a class 170 which is OK no complaints but to me when I see a 125 at station I have 😀 face just takes it too anothet level smoother and iconic just subbed g8 video thanks that was a cheap fare £15 first class thanks
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I agree with you, the 125 is truly iconic. There is something special about it. Thanks for subscribing too!
Ahh fantastic review, and the views out the window! Wow! (through clean windows as well???) Hmmm my guess is that Wemyss Bay and Stirling stations designed by the same dude?
Cheers Steve! Aye you’re spot on, same dude. I’m looking forward to catching up with your latest travels-life has been absolutely manic of late so it’ll be nice to catch up with your Fort William adventures.
That’s a good question. I read when the HST sets were introduced into Scotrail service there was space for bicycles in the power cars but that wasn’t being used. Whether that has changed or is available for luggage I honestly couldn’t say. Sorry to be so vague.
Hi Frank, I'd be of the view it's cheaper to upgrade on the day. Also, 1st class in a Class 170 doesn't have the same appeal to me as 1st class on an HST set so upgrading on the day gives you a bit of flexibility if you end up travelling on a 170. Thanks for watching too, I really appreciate it.
Hi. We are visiting Scotland in the next 2 weeks. We want to take this train from Glasgow to Inverness. I'm hoping you can help us with our reservation for 1st class. I chose airline style seating. As we want to sit like in a car and airplane. Will my wife and I be seating together with this reservation? Coach A, Seat 08B Coach A, Seat 08F - Thanks in advance.
Hi. Thanks so much for watching. B & F means backward and forward facing. On the Scotrail HST 1st class coach that would mean you will have two singles seats facing one another with a table between you. I hope you and your wife have a fabulous time in Scotland.
@@Timstravels01 - Thanks for the reply. We have yet to book it. We prefer to sit side by side. What would the letter and numbers be for seats next to each other?
According to the Scotrail website “First Class areas don't have spaces for wheelchair users and there's no wheelchair access to accessible toilets from First Class. To travel in First Class, wheelchair users would need to be able to transfer to a seat.”
@@Timstravels01 cheers mate thanks for the rundown just wasn't to sure my mate is a train enthusiast like me and we wanted to see if we would do the inter 7 city together 1st class but it's Fine,
Weymss Bay and Stirling were designed by the same person whose name temporarily evades me Shame about the catering, especially when LNER and Avanti offer it.
I’m a world full of comprehensive, full breakdown and on the nose factual reporting, sometimes “it’s just really nice” sums it all up perfectly. Thanks for another good and interesting travel video Tim.
Thanks for watching!
The Inter7City is something I must try at some point!
A great route, DMU and seats!
A very good review too!!
Thanks so much! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the Scotrail HST, it’s just a fab experience for a railway enthusiast.
Great video and certainly very well presented.
I've just booked a short stay in Inverness for my wife and I, followed by 2 nights in Glasgow, so we'll be booking this service soon, at least we will be, when the cheap advance tickets become available.
We are travelling initially from Newcastle, so might travel to Inverness on LNER, as they offer a direct service.
We like the LNER first class, having had several Edinburgh to Newcastle trips, so maybe it's time we give ScotRail a try.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words.
LNER 1st class is excellent, the Scotrail offering, in my opinion falls a long way behind by comparison.
Melinda and I really enjoyed this video Tim is a very natural speaker and has very supportive"Assistant" Leslye and Minds
Thanks for watching! We’re pleased you enjoyed it.
Detritus 😂😂😂 Thanks for the great vid, both 🙏🏻
Glad you enjoyed it. 😃 Thanks for watching.
Great video Tim, really glad you both enjoyed the trip, you certainly wouldn't have arrived feeling so happy if you'd had got a class 170! You'd likely have been stood up for 4 hours!
I really wish Scotrail would make full use of the first class catering service they could offer when it returns. Going by my observations pre covid, they have a fully functional buffet car which can offer hot meals or at the very least hot snacks but they insist on using a trolley instead with one member of staff who has to serve the entire train. First class passengers could be offered hot food included in the price of their ticket, instead they get offered water and shortbread and they only get offered that once no matter how long their journey may be. Anything else has to be bought. The whole catering and first class service could offer so much more. Apart from the comfortable seats and a bit of peace away from the normals, Scotrail first class isn't really worth it in my opinion
Hey Jamie, thanks for watching. You’d mentioned before about your thoughts on Scotrail catering so I’m glad you commented. I agree with what you’re saying. I sometimes think Scotrail take the mickey with their 1st class fares and what you get for that. If the railways are going to get close to pre-COVID levels there has to be more on offer than getting from A to B on longer intercity routes. When you see what other operators like Avanti and LNER are offering in 1st class, Scotrail are falling short. To be honest, I wanted to do the HST and I’m glad I did. The 1st class upgrade was a bit of an impulsive decision. With decent catering it could be so much better.
Welcome back Mrs Tim’s Travels 😁
Glad to have you back!
Great video looking forward to taking my son on this trip
Thanks for watching! I think you’ll have a great time. The Scotrail HSTs are fab.
Watching this from New Zealand- fantastic video. I look forward to some train travel in Scotland on my next visit to the UK . I hope that you are getting suitably rewarded by the Scottish Tourism Board.
Thank you so much. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the video. There are some beautiful railway lines to explore in Scotland, you’re in for treat.
Very enjoyable video yet again Tim, will do this in the summer for my channel, thanks again!
Thanks for watching Daniel. I look forward to watching your vid, it’ll be beautiful journey in the summer.
@@Timstravels01 hope you enjoy, out at 5pm on Friday! I just have one question, do you know if they've reinstated first class catering?
I look forward to it! April 2022 is the rumoured reinstatement of 1st class catering. We shall see.
@@Timstravels01 a year too late! Haha
Great to see Mrs Tim’s Travels gracing us with her presence again , she appeared to enjoy the trip . You may already know , or maybe not , the Aussies still operate their version of the HST , known as the XPT on its mainline routes in NSW and also interstate from Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane . Classic old ladies . The First class experience looked so comfortable . Cheers and looking forward to more of your travels 👍
Thanks for watching David. Aye, Mrs TT enjoyed the HST run - she is very patient with me as she gets dragged all over the country. 1st class was very comfy indeed.
Am I right in thinking that the XPT days are numbered?
@@Timstravels01 . I’m sure Mrs TT would get on with my wife , who also gets “ dragged “ around airshows in particular , although I can’t recall her whinging when we went to the Paris Airshow or Singapore 😀. Yes the XPT Is supposedly being phased out from 2023 by the CAF Civity train , however , in true Aussie style it’s anyones guess if it actually happens , just don’t hold your breath . We are back in the UK for the month of May , a ride or two on real trains await 👍.
I have to say Tim I’m Scottish and I live in Spain next year I’m going to Scotland in summer and I just drive myself nuts with the inter7city first class I can wait to ride it. I propose you to do the full journey from Edinburgh To Aberdeen
I hope you have a great time. I love the Inter7City sets and the 1st class carriage is very comfortable.
Great video, very informative and useful! We are staying in Nairn for one month and possibly Glasgow afterwards, so this will help with our decision.
Thank you so much. I’m glad the video has been useful. Enjoy your time in Scotland!
It’s actually 8 cities now as Dunfermline was granted city status
Indeed. Although Scotrail haven’t yet updated the HST sets to match. I wonder if they will.
I don’t think they will because Inter8city doesn’t sound to good and also Dunfermline doesn’t get any long distance scotrails anyway just Regional ones.
Taking the train from Glasgow to Inverness, decided to upgrade to first class after watching this video
I hope you enjoyed it. The comfiest seats on the network in my opinion.
@@Timstravels01 Not going to Scotland until September. Figured taking a train up through the heart of Scotland isn't something I'm going to do every day, so might as well make the most of it and pay the extra 25 pounds (or $40 Canadian). Got some good deals on my other rail travel up from London
Quite right too. It is a beautiful journey with contrasting scenery as you leave the Central Belt and get into the Highlands.
Great video. I like the look of the HSTs though haven't been on them. Maybe one day
Cheers! The HSTs are fantastic. I hope you get the chance to travel on one sometime soon.
@@Timstravels01 Maybe the next few years at least anyway or when I'm a bit older
I love the 125s Tim.i don't allways get one on my journeys south sadly sometimes its a class 170 which is OK no complaints but to me when I see a 125 at station I have 😀 face just takes it too anothet level smoother and iconic just subbed g8 video thanks that was a cheap fare £15 first class thanks
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I agree with you, the 125 is truly iconic. There is something special about it. Thanks for subscribing too!
Ahh fantastic review, and the views out the window! Wow! (through clean windows as well???) Hmmm my guess is that Wemyss Bay and Stirling stations designed by the same dude?
Cheers Steve! Aye you’re spot on, same dude. I’m looking forward to catching up with your latest travels-life has been absolutely manic of late so it’ll be nice to catch up with your Fort William adventures.
Detritus, and Mrs Tims travels , Tim your spoiling us !
Loved the 1st Class look , very posh , did teddy enjoy it too ?
Cheers mate! I aim to please. Ted didn’t say much but I think he enjoyed it. 🤣
I noticed a luggage rack in the carriage. Do they still use the luggage compartment in the loco?
That’s a good question. I read when the HST sets were introduced into Scotrail service there was space for bicycles in the power cars but that wasn’t being used. Whether that has changed or is available for luggage I honestly couldn’t say. Sorry to be so vague.
What do you do with checked luggage sized bags when you board in Inverness and have a first class ticket?
There are good sized luggage spaces in each carriage.
Great video Tim. What are your thoughts on pre-booking First vs Upgrading on the train? Is it cheaper to do it onboard?
Hi Frank, I'd be of the view it's cheaper to upgrade on the day. Also, 1st class in a Class 170 doesn't have the same appeal to me as 1st class on an HST set so upgrading on the day gives you a bit of flexibility if you end up travelling on a 170. Thanks for watching too, I really appreciate it.
Do they still do the pint of claret at Kingussie? Asking for a friend. 🥴
Tell your friend yes, but not at the railway station.
Hi. We are visiting Scotland in the next 2 weeks. We want to take this train from Glasgow to Inverness. I'm hoping you can help us with our reservation for 1st class. I chose airline style seating. As we want to sit like in a car and airplane. Will my wife and I be seating together with this reservation? Coach A, Seat 08B
Coach A, Seat 08F - Thanks in advance.
Hi. Thanks so much for watching. B & F means backward and forward facing. On the Scotrail HST 1st class coach that would mean you will have two singles seats facing one another with a table between you. I hope you and your wife have a fabulous time in Scotland.
@@Timstravels01 - Thanks for the reply. We have yet to book it. We prefer to sit side by side. What would the letter and numbers be for seats next to each other?
@@joeytorontocanuck8682 you would need to be in standard class on the Inter7City trains to have airline style seating. It's pleasant enough.
@@Timstravels01 - Thank you for your help.
Is they're a wheelchair space in First on a ScotRail HST or a space big enough for one?
According to the Scotrail website “First Class areas don't have spaces for wheelchair users and there's no wheelchair access to accessible toilets from First Class. To travel in First Class, wheelchair users would need to be able to transfer to a seat.”
@@Timstravels01 cheers mate thanks for the rundown just wasn't to sure my mate is a train enthusiast like me and we wanted to see if we would do the inter 7 city together 1st class but it's Fine,
Weymss Bay and Stirling were designed by the same person whose name temporarily evades me
Shame about the catering, especially when LNER and Avanti offer it.
Catering will return but it seems odd that Scotrail are taking so long about it. Thanks for watching!
You’re correct about the two stations. 😀