Oban to star in new TV show featuring Hollywood actor Alan Cumming
Oban and Lochaber feature in a new TV travel show starring Good Wife actor Alan Cumming as he explores the most picturseque parts of the country on Scotland’s most iconic train.
Scotland’s Poshest Train, which started last night on Channel 4, is a four-part series which will follow the well known actor as he embarks on a trip of a lifetime on board the Royal Scotsman.
In each episode viewers will be able to follow the train on a particular stage of its journey as it takes guests and viewers on a grand tour, exploring in the country’s culturally rich landscape.
Not only does the show feature the local area in its upcoming episodes, but the score has been penned by a local composer.
Oban man James Gray joined the series after director George Scott got in touch when using some of his production music in the programme. Producers felt they needed original music specifically composed for the series and Scott Pearce, the head of the production library, passed on James’ details.
James explained: "After a brief discussion and watching the first 14 minutes of the series, it was clear that it was going to be something extraordinary. It was beautifully cinematic, with Alan as always brilliantly entertaining.
"The series was not only great entertainment but absolutely compelling. I’d never seen Scotland filmed so beautifully."
James immediately got to work on putting something special together for the show, working with local musicians to create the musical magic.
He said: "I started writing music the very day of our first conversation and composed solidly for two months. Being from Oban, I’m so proud of where I come from and of our country. I’ve made those very same train journeys countless times, albeit on Scotrail rather than The Royal Scotsman!
"Composing music for the series has been an absolute joy and privilege, and it means a great deal to me personally. In particular, working with and recording incredible local musicians like Chas MacKenzie, Tia Files, Sìleas Sinclair, Joanie Garvin, and Jamie Smith at St Mary’s Space has been a highlight. I’m incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing project and production team and I’m delighted with the end results."
In the show, Alan visits the Commando Memorial in Lochaber which pays homage to the brave British Commandos Forces who served during World War II then hears the incredible story of the construction West Highland Line’s extension from Fort William to Mallaig, and how this engineering marvel connects Scotland’s remote landscapes.
The train is seen gracefully traversing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct before Alan visits the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Episode three sees Alan and his fellow guests explore the coastal marvels of Scotland on an enthralling seal-spotting boat trip overlooking the Isle of Skye before they stop off in Oban in episode four, as well as visiting Iona and Staffa.
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