Scotland by Rail
Scotland by Rail is Leo’s own personal passion project. A nearly twenty years long (and many more to come!) exploration of Scotland by train and of sharing those journeys through his art, writings and talks. In Scotland by Rail, Leo combines sketching, painting, wildlife observation and reflective travel writing with his passion for travelling by train and the multitude of benefits and delights it brings. Supported by ScotRail, Scotland’s extensive rail network is Leo’s gateway to landscape, town, wildlife, museum, gallery, cafe and walking and cycling routes. As a ScotRail Community Rail Champion, Leo shares these journeys through social media, blogs, exhibitions, talks and books, encouraging accessible, environmentally responsible travel and deeper engagement with place.
Leven Beach | pencil and watercolour in sketchbook, 12.06.2024, nfs
Caldercruix Dipper | watercolour on paper, c.10x11cm, 25.01.2024, available
Mists & Rains Above Loch Long | 23x30cm
Sketchbook
watercolour in sketchbook, 14.5x41cm
Cruachan Dam, from Taynuilt Station
Loch Awe, below the station
Loch Treig
One of the most exciting things to have happened as a result of my passion for travelling by rail and my Scotland By Rail work are my appearances on two Channel 4 documentary programmes. Firstly in 2019, when Scotland’s Scenic Railways followed me as I travelled south on the recently re-opened Borders Railway to sketch Crichton Castle and Borthwick Castle. I was following in the footsteps of Turner, who had sketched there 200 years before. I found almost the exact spot where Turner must have stood or sat to make his drawings of Borthwick Castle, I sat myself down and made my own watercolour painting of the same.
Secondly, in 2021, when Britain’s Scenic Railways followed me as I travelled all the way up the Far North Line from Inverness to Thurso, exploring and sketching a town filled with huge murals, a 2,000 year old broch, a vast RSPB nature reserve, a hostel in old railway carriages and signal box, and ending at Dunnet Head lighthouse, looking across the sea to Orkney.
Two marvellous experiences. I look forward to the next time. Both series re-air now and again and I love receiving surprise messages from people around the world telling me they have just seen one of my episodes.
Scotland’s Scenic Railways can currently be bought and watched on Amazon Prime and Apple TV – Leo features in episode 2
Britain’s Scenic Railways does not currently appear available to buy (March 2026) but is on Vimeo – Leo features in episode 2
