Which British train service has run between London and Edinburgh since 1862?

Flying Scotsman is the British train service that has run between London and Edinburgh since 1862.

The service began as an express operated jointly by the Great Northern Railway, the North British Railway, and the North Eastern Railway. It originally ran between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley, connecting the capitals of England and Scotland over the East Coast Main Line.

The name Flying Scotsman was officially adopted in 1924. In the steam era, the service became famous for speed, punctuality, and distinctive locomotives. From 1928, a non-stop version used specially arranged facilities so passengers did not need to leave the train during the journey.

The service is separate from the preserved locomotive Flying Scotsman, although that locomotive became strongly associated with it. The train route has changed with railway timetables and ownership, but the name remains one of Britain’s best-known railway brands.