LNER is set to celebrate the return of its iconic Flying Scotsman service to a timetable that more closely reflects its historic roots, marking a significant moment for Britain’s most famous named train.
From May, the Flying Scotsman will once again depart Edinburgh at 10:00 and London King’s Cross at 10:30, reinstating timings that echo the service’s legendary mid‑morning departures and restoring a northbound equivalent that has been absent for many years.
To mark the occasion, customers travelling on Monday 18 May will be welcomed with live in‑station performances from Celtic rock band The Red Hot Chilli Pipers at both ends of the route, providing a celebratory send‑off for the reinstated services.
Passengers onboard the two trains that morning will also enjoy a Scottish‑themed menu, featuring traditional dishes including haggis, neeps and tatties, reinforcing the service’s deep connection with Scotland’s rail heritage.
A modern service with historic roots
While the Flying Scotsman name has remained in the LNER timetable, in recent years it has been associated with an early‑morning southbound departure from Edinburgh, leaving before 6am and without a northbound counterpart. The introduction of the new industry‑wide faster timetable in December 2025 has now made it possible to return the service much closer to its original schedule.
The Flying Scotsman service dates back to 1862, officially adopting its famous name in 1924. It soon became synonymous with quality, punctuality and innovation, achieving fame for its simultaneous 10:00 am departures from London and Edinburgh – a defining feature of inter‑city rail travel in the early 20th century.
Today’s revised timetable reflects that heritage as closely as possible within the constraints of the modern railway network, allowing customers to follow in the historic footsteps of the Flying Scotsman while travelling on a state‑of‑the‑art LNER Azuma train.
Distinct from the locomotive – but forever linked
Although closely associated with the service, the Flying Scotsman locomotive – designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built in Doncaster – did not always operate the service itself. Entering service in 1923, the locomotive went on to break world records, becoming the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100mph, before touring the globe and securing its status as one of the most iconic symbols of Britain’s railway heritage.
The timing of the timetable change is particularly fitting, coming during Gresley 150 – the year in which the railway industry is marking the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth. A programme of commemorative events and activities is planned throughout 2026, with further celebrations expected in June.
Industry reaction
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Flying Scotsman service move much closer to its historic departure timings.
“The service became famous for its simultaneous 10:00 departures from London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, and these revised departure times are as close as we can get to that today. We’re really looking forward to The Red-Hot Chilli Pipers giving both the northbound and southbound services a rousing send-off.
“2026 is also the year the railway industry is marking Gresley 150, celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Nigel Gresley, whose designs helped define a golden age of rail travel.”
Railway historian and broadcaster Tim Dunn added:
"The Flying Scotsman service is one of the most powerful names through a century of British railway travel. It is synonymous with speed, punctuality, regularity and quality. In its early years, it became famous for its simultaneous 10am departures from both London and Edinburgh, so bringing today’s timetable much closer to that is a wonderful nod to its truly iconic heritage."
"Named express train services were once more common than now, but the Flying Scotsman name isn't just a niche detail for rail enthusiasts: it's a name that should resonate with passengers who value history, tradition and service. 21st Century travellers know that it's often better to fly by electric train than to fly by oil-guzzling plane: with the Flying Scotsman, I hope even more will realise that they too can make the switch."
Image credits: LNER
