Scottish Highlands Night Train: Cozy Bedtime Story

Tonight's cozy sleepy story, "Scottish Highlands Night Train" brings you aboard the Royal Scotsman for a luxury train journey through the Scottish countryside. Take a mental holiday as you are lulled to sleep with train sounds and relaxing visualizations as rural beauty unfolds outside your wind. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

Good evening.

In tonight's sleepy story,

We travel to Scotland in the Scottish Highlands night train.

Aboard the Royal Scotsman,

One of the most luxurious sleeper trains in the world,

You take a magical journey into the heart of the Highlands.

You depart from Edinburgh to enjoy spectacular panorama views of verdant rolling hills,

Reflective silvery locks,

And hilltop castles perched just below the heavenly skies.

You indulge in a luxurious meal,

A night of timeless entertainment,

And a spa treatment as the train weaves through the rural beauty beneath a starry sky.

You return to your cozy suite and fall asleep,

Lulled by the gentle rocking and soothing sounds of a train car in motion.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I am Michelle,

Your friendly companion and guide on this nightly escape.

Together we shall celebrate that you have arrived at the end of another day.

All your concerns may now slip away as you delve into the promise of deep peace and restoration that await when it's time to go to sleep.

Feel free and inspired to change any detail of this journey as you want.

There are no limits to your imagination,

And you may completely drift away from my voice at any point.

Take a moment to settle into the embrace of your sanctuary,

Adjusting until you find perfect comfort.

Feel the support of your bed as you dive into the sanctuary of your mind.

In this timeless space where dreams unfold and deep emotions stir,

You are the artist.

As stillness envelops you,

The essence of the Scottish Highlands permeates your room.

Feel the air circulate,

Kissing your face,

Carrying the earthy fragrance of peat moss and rural pastures.

Let out a big sigh,

Surrendering to the soothing adventures about to unfold.

When you're ready,

Breathe in the fresh,

Dewy air of the Scottish Highlands.

Feel the cool,

Damp air as it warms in your nose,

Prepared to gently travel to your lungs.

Expand your chest fully as you contentedly take up all the space you can.

As you exhale,

Release with a slow,

Sleepy yawn,

Spreading the message throughout your body that it's time to unwind.

Inhale once more,

This time imagining the distant call of Scottish bagpipes reverberating through lush emerald hills.

Exhale in a yawn or sigh naturally,

Releasing any lingering worries,

Like wisps of wood smoke carried by the cool air of the Scottish countryside.

Continue one more round of conscious breathing at your own pace and tempo.

As you listen to the sound of your breath,

Feel the lightness of being.

It's as though your breath could effortlessly carry you away to distant lands.

After you let out a deep,

Audible sigh,

Feel your breath returning to its natural,

Sleepy rhythm.

Carry this calm with you as we embark on a majestic train journey as the story begins.

Scottish historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott once expressed,

Scotland is a land of mountains,

Glens,

And islands,

A land of myth and legend.

And what better way could there be to explore this mythical land than by train?

The Royal Scotsman is the sister train of the legendary Venice-Simplon Orient Express,

Offering visits to romantic castles and natural wonders on various routes through Scotland.

Your itinerary includes a departure from Edinburgh in the early afternoon,

Just after you enjoy a leisurely lunch in a nearby pub.

Moments before the clock strikes one,

You check in with the tour group at the Balmoral Hotel,

A legendary place with a looming clock tower where old world charm meets new world sophistication.

Every detail of your Highland tour is impeccably crafted to make you feel safe and comfortable.

Kept from the chaotic bustle of the train station,

You congregate with twenty or so other guests,

Clutching a thick packet of tickets and itinerary with your bags at your feet.

The crew gathers your luggage and those of your fellow passengers on the nine-carriage train.

The Balmoral features a colour palette of heather grey and rich blue tartan with classic Scottish artwork,

Depicting all the beauty you expect to witness on your train journey.

The host for the tour and the crew escort you down Princess Street toward Edinburgh Waverley Station,

Balancing your bags as they entertain you with their Scottish brogues in convivial conversation.

The air is cool and damp,

With a clean minerality and the faintest smell of diesel.

Bundled in a pea coat,

You remain warm as you follow the crew into the open space of a not-quite-so-busy train station.

As a surprise for all of you,

A bagpiper joins the procession,

Taking the lead in full Scottish attire,

From his plaid tammy,

Also known as a Scottish bonnet,

To his matching kilt.

The royal treatment makes you smile as you suppress a giggle as attention is drawn to the crescendoing sounds of the spirited bagpipe as the musician leads the group to Platform 9.

Muted light pours through the atrium,

Forming patterns of light and shadows on the shiny floor as you watch the wheels of luggage sliding across it and the boots and shoes of fellow passengers stomp.

Everything feels effortless as you follow the group to the platform where the maroon and cream-hued luxury train awaits.

Aboard the Royal Scotsman,

You no longer need to think about what to do or where to go as you are in the safe hands of the trusted crew.

Responsibilities fade away the moment your butler leads you to your three-room suite,

Stowing your luggage just before the train departs.

Edwardian-inspired,

Your grand suite has timeless charm with dark wooden panels and teal and dark green tweeds that capture the regal essence of Scottish textiles.

The sun filters through the gray skies,

Offering a pale golden light that streams through the windows as the train sounds its call for departure.

A welcome beverage awaits in the sitting room atop a small table that you sip as you curiously explore the suite.

A ripple of excitement courses through your body with an electrifying sensation,

Bringing you to life with the same zest as the carbonated welcome drink.

The suite conjures the kind of imaginative play you may have experienced long ago as a small child.

You find it hard to believe that this is yours to completely experience however you see fit.

The ambience of the suite reflects a strong sense of Scottish traditions,

Offering hues and patterns worn for centuries.

Inspired by the deep greens of glens and lush pastures.

Even at first glance,

The train reflects Scottish pride and reveals itself to be the most luxurious and prestigious train you have ever been on.

The train departs the station and passes by Princess Street Gardens,

Which is lively with willow trees and kelly green manicured lawns.

The park was created in marshlands,

Where Norlock was drained completely.

For centuries,

Going back to the Middle Ages,

The lake was considered to be a place where witch-ducking would allegedly reveal if someone was practicing witchcraft.

But now the park is a gathering place for eager children who rally at the sight of a train like the Royal Scotsman,

Waving fervently as the conductor blows the train horn in response.

As you peer out at the gardens,

The vibrant persimmon-hued blossoms appear all the more colorful against the backdrop of grey skies.

The park,

Much like the hotel,

Is a convergent spot for old and new worlds.

The backdrop of royal dwellings and gothic spires soon fade in the distance as the train travels to more remote landscapes of mirror locks and velvety green knolls.

You explore the bedroom,

Taking in the luxurious thick duvet and fluffy pillows cloaked in the finest crisp linens.

Antique-style candle sconces are perched on the luxe wooden walls.

Decorative elements in carved pewter display elegance and power,

Understated yet eye-capturing at the same time.

The suite boasts Pictish stones and other details that conjure thoughts of a riverbed.

Soon the train will pass the kingdom of Fife,

Where these same stones may be revealed in historic buildings and villages.

You enter the en-suite,

Soothed by the green and brown shades,

The slate floors,

And the wood accents that conjure the energy of a medieval forest.

You look at yourself in the mirror,

Recognizing a glint in your eyes,

The kind of sparkle that comes when your heart is alight and your mind is curious and engaged.

You turn on the faucet and freshen up with the cool water,

Feeling it cascade down your cheeks and soothe your eyes as the train gently rocks back and forth.

This moment brings a reset,

Inspiring you to explore the observation car as the train weaves its way between the lowlands and highlands.

Other guests are mingling in the observation car,

Settled in tweed-plaid armchairs and atop green velvet sofas,

As they enjoy tea,

Scones,

Cucumber sandwiches,

And chocolate cake.

Some quietly read magazines and newspapers,

While others introduce themselves with brief cordial exchanges about what brought them on this magical journey.

You settle in an armchair to peer out onto the rural views,

Watching sheep grazing throughout the rolling landscape.

You sip your tea as the train ascends more wild and rugged terrain,

Now cast in twilight shades,

Winding along the curving rails through the mystical Glen Falloch.

The storied region offers waterfalls and twisting trails where one may rediscover themselves.

Along the way,

Come tomorrow,

The tour host will gather the group to enjoy a spontaneous picnic on plaid wool blankets sprawled along the beaches of one of the many locks along the way.

But now,

The observation room clears,

As guests return to their staterooms to prepare for a formal dinner.

You are the last to leave,

Lingering in the warm energy and timeless atmosphere of the room fashioned to feel like a Scottish country home.

There are times like this that you enjoy moments of solitude,

As you deeply inhale and absorb the uniqueness of this experience uninterrupted.

You tuck it away in the recesses of your mind,

As a pleasant thought to conjure at will when life demands an escape.

Back in your suite,

You enjoy a hot shower with homemade olé soaps that leave a rich lather.

The water pressure is remarkably strong,

Pulsating between your shoulder blades,

And ridding your muscles of any weariness that comes with travel.

Having passed only a few hours since boarding,

Already it feels as if you've lived through different chapters in a book.

Time becomes elusive,

And rather than fight this feeling,

You embrace the fluidity of it all.

You dry yourself in one of the fluffiest,

Freshest towels to have ever graced your skin.

Amid all the luxuries of this passage,

The simplest sensory pleasures are what you treasure most.

They allow you to slow down and connect with yourself in a way that the modern world and its demands often challenge.

But now,

It's easy to luxuriate and appreciate every detail and how they elevate your experience aboard the train.

You dress in an outfit purchased specifically for this affair.

It fills you with pure happiness in anticipation of your journey,

And forever after it will conjure loving memories of the evening about to unfold.

Once dressed,

You feel confident and comfortable.

This outfit is the perfect expression of who you are and who you want to be.

You make your way through the train cars,

Trailing behind other guests.

Some men wear traditional Scottish kilts with crisp white shirts,

Bow ties,

And fitted black jackets adorned with gold buttons.

The women dress in elegant gowns in jewel tones and gold.

The energy has once again changed on the train,

Led by a wave of sophistication and celebration.

You enter the dining car,

An original 1945 carriage that exudes refinement with mahogany panels,

Plush upholstered armchairs,

And ivory linen tablecloths draped over antique dining tables.

Fine china,

Crystal glasses,

And polished silver offer the promise of a memorable meal that showcases the local dishes,

Featuring foraged mushrooms and the freshest of local ingredients from the sea.

Bouquets of local heather,

Thistle,

And bluebells are arranged in crystal vases on each table.

You locate your seat,

Indicated by an ivory card etched with your name in gold foil,

And settle into the soft,

Supportive chair.

Instrumental music plays,

Accompanying the persistent sound of the train in motion as the ascent continues.

The clouds have cleared to reveal rich sapphire blue skies and glittering stars as a moon rises over the sprawling landscape.

Dinner service begins.

From canapes to special pairings,

The feast unfolds with an introduction to the chef,

Who is excited to share his heritage and culinary knowledge.

Animated conversations become softer in the honeyed light of flickering candles,

And the murmurs of fellow travelers make you feel part of something special.

One by one you try each course,

Satiated and content.

And when dinner service comes to a close,

You follow your new acquaintances and soon-to-be friends to enjoy some evening entertainment back in the observation room.

Live music enchants,

Adding an air of romance to the evening.

Fresh air circulates through cracked windows,

Bringing with it the nocturnal smells of Scotland.

You ride on the waves of sound,

Rocking gently in the train car,

As if floating through a dream.

You imagine how peaceful the world would be if souls from all backgrounds could be brought together in wondrous communal experiences that a train journey like this naturally fosters.

As the music plays on,

Your mind wanders through the mental images captured on this track so far.

The gothic castles and churches.

The roaming sheep and placid walks.

The plaid wool textiles that never let you forget the rich colors of the highlands.

Outside,

A veil of mist rises from the earth.

As grey clouds roll in,

Blocking the stars and moon.

The gossamer clouds conceal the peaks of mountain silhouettes,

Making it seem as if they simply cease to exist mid-air.

As the festivities continue deep into the night,

You rise to visit the spa car,

Where you have made an appointment for an evening massage.

You make your way to the spa carriage,

Passing by passengers imbibing and laughing and singing to the music.

You find solace and rejuvenation in the spa car,

A luxurious haven in motion.

Stepping into the sanctuary,

You are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence and tranquility.

The spa car's interior exhibits neutral tones with plush furnishings and subdued lighting,

Creating an ambience of understated luxury.

Yet classic Scottish motifs and modern comfort blend seamlessly,

Offering the ideal space for relaxation.

Tranquil images capturing the soft,

Muted colors of the highland landscape at night contribute to the serenity,

Setting the stage for the indulgent experience you deserve.

Upon entering the spa car,

A profound sense of being catered to and cared for takes hold.

Attendants dressed in simple attire reflect an air of elegance.

They welcome you with warm smiles and a genuine commitment to ensuring you enjoy this transformative spa experience.

Quietly led to a changing room,

You remove your evening attire with a sense of relief.

For as much fun as it was to feel glamorous,

It feels even more luxurious to wrap yourself in a towel and plush robe.

The air carries a subtle scent,

A blend of botanical oils that evoke the very essence of the Scottish Highlands.

Your attendant leads you to a massage table,

Cast in the glow of candlelight.

Spa piano music plays subtly in the background,

Softly buried beneath the sounds of the train in motion that remain at the forefront.

The massage experience is nothing short of magical and truly unique.

The gentle rocking motion of the train compliments the skilled hands of the spa attendant,

Who intuitively finds places of tension and holding in your muscles.

Knots are released and your skin becomes flush as blood circulates in new areas,

Creating a feeling of release and warmth.

As the night train glides through the highlands,

The gentle rhythmic vibrations of the train car synchronize with the expert maneuvers of the attendant's strong hands.

The botanical oils used during the massage are a sensory celebration of the Scottish landscape.

With notes of heather,

Juniper,

And pine,

The oils transport you to the heart of a forest.

Your mind wanders to images of moonlit streams and waterfalls.

In a state of deep relaxation,

Your mind shuffles through these images of nature.

Your mind shuffles through these images of nature.

Before arriving at an aerial cinematic view of the Royal Scotsman weaving its way through the nocturnal landscape.

As you slip into the sweet stillness of your mind,

For a moment,

You observe yourself within the train car,

Completely peaceful as the train forges on.

You turn onto your back and your eyes flutter open to briefly peer out the window at the ever-changing scenery.

You close your eyes once more as the attendant's hands find your temples and scalp and then travel down your jaw,

Relieving you of tension.

You inhale deeply and then exhale as your shoulders and neck soften.

The attendant ends with a scalp massage,

Their thumbs circling your third eye and then going around your eye sockets gently,

Preparing you for a night of healing dreams.

The attendant leaves the room,

Giving you time to re-acclimate to this new,

Relaxed state of being.

You put on the robe and a pair of terrycloth slippers and are informed your butler has returned your belongings to your suite.

You thank the spa staff and wander three train cars to your room.

Sleep will come easily,

That you know.

You prepare for bed,

But not before indulging in decadent treats left during turndown service.

Your familiar pre-bedtime routine feels elevated and luxurious.

As you brush your teeth and cleanse yourself of the day,

You slip into silky pajamas monogrammed with your initials and of the same luxurious design once worn by passengers during the golden age of travel.

You return to the bedroom and sink into the plush mattress,

Tucked beneath the heavy duvet and crisp sheets.

The room is the perfect temperature for sleep.

You relish the gentle rocking.

The vibrations are like a salve,

And you appreciate the balances of softness and weightiness,

Of plushness and quality.

As you appreciate all the comforts of the suite and the train in motion,

You recognize how every detail was selected by souls who truly care about your experience and your fellow travelers.

Led by the rhythmic sounds of the Royal Scotsman,

You begin to drift into a dreamscape where soaring cliffs embrace mystical locks,

Ancient whispers echo through glens,

And waterfalls cascade in pine forests.

This dreamscape reflects the ethereal beauty of your journey,

A continuation of the enchanting experience that began the moment you first imagined taking this trip.

Your transition to sleep is a gradual descent,

Like a feather drifting from the peak of a highland cliff,

Slowly making its way down,

Down,

To a soft landing on a lush green bed of moss.

You revel in slowly slipping away,

Full of gratitude for the beauty of the Scottish highlands that serve as a testament to the supreme majesty of nature,

And its abundance in this world.

And this gratitude becomes the portal that leads you to a night of peaceful,

Restorative slumber,

Finding comfort,

Finding repose,

Finding sleep.

It's time to dream away.

Reviews

What a lovely journey filled with sensual visuals. TY Michelle. 🙏 💚

Love this and actually going to Scotland in June to tour by train!

Wow, traveling through the Scottish Highlands,, mostly unconsciously, throughout the night in a luxurious train: how great is that?! Thank you for letting me know about this new sleep story, Michelle, as I had not been notified🙏🏻🌟✨🌟💫🌟🙏🏻