This dance was first published by Hugh Thurston in his book Sixteen
Scottish Country Dances (1945-1967). The Flying Scotsman was (maybe still is) the fastest steam engine train to travel between London and Edinburgh.  

Jo Hamilton suggests, "When working with audience participation dancers from 8 to 80, I will form 3 couple sets and have 1st couple slip step down the middle and up to the bottom of their set in bars 17-24. This dance tells a story of a train's journey that new dancers find easy to remember.  

1-8 The train's journey through the hills from London to Edinburgh.  
9-16 The train's journey from Edinburgh to London.  
17-24 The train track (rails).  
25-32 The electrical poles flashing past. (British trains are powered by electricity.) "