A Moray couple will get the chance to experience the opulent lifestyle of the aristocrats of the past thanks to the Press and Journal.
Linda and Tom Walls, from Buckie, are the recipients of a ticket on board the luxury Belmond Northern Belle.
The train has been designed, both internally and externally, in the style of the Belle trains of the 1930s, which traversed the country in an era where the rails were the transport mode of choice for the wealthy elite.
The train leaves from Aberdeen on September 9 to an, as yet, unknown destination.
Speaking last night, Mrs Walls says she thought someone was “winding her up” when she received the call to let her know she had won the P&J’s competition.
The 52-year-old said: “I thought it was a joke, I hardly ever enter competitions – I’ve maybe a couple in my life, but this one caught my eye.
“I had seen the trip advertised in the paper and sent off for a brochure, but I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to do it because of the price.
“I have got to that age where we enjoy these types of genteel train trips, we have been from Broomhill to Aviemore and from Keith to Dufftown before.”
“I think my husband will be interested in the interior because he’s a joiner, and I believe it’s been restored to the original 1930s design.”
The couple will not find out where the train will take them until a few days before they leave, but have been told it will be a four-hour round trip.
While on board the train, they will be provided with a six-course meal and entertainment.
Mrs Walls added: “The whole idea of experiencing a wee bit of what life must have been like all those years ago in a different era and the luxury and lifestyle of those people – it’s a bit like taking a step back in time.
“I’m presuming the staff on board will be dressed in period clothes so it’s quite exciting to see what their uniforms will be like.”