scottish bus tour company

EXPERIENCE SCOTLAND LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Scotland coach tours.

Choose from our list of stunning range of tours. From the rolling, rugged hillside of the Scottish Highlands to the spectacular city of Edinburgh, Royal retreats such as Dunkeld, to the wonderful landscapes of Mull and the Alps of Arrochar, there is so much to uncover. Freephone: 0808 164 7880 [email protected]

Loch Lomond & Best of the West

Loch Fyne & Isle of Mull

Jacobite Steam Train & Loch Lomond

Why choose scotland coach tours.

SCOTLAND COACH TOURS will introduce you to the incredible beauty and fascinating history of this amazing country. From the rolling, rugged hillside of the Scottish Highlands to the spectacular city of Edinburgh, Royal retreats such as Dunkeld, to the wonderful landscapes of Mull and the Alps of Arrochar, there is so much to uncover. If you're looking for a truly memorable experience that's not too far from home, take a look at our fascinating range of Scotland tours. Travel in complete comfort with our fantastic coach fleet. A coach tour is simple and hassle-free. Your package deal can be booked through us, with hotels, travel, tickets and even Door To Door* service included. You won't have to worry about your accommodation, we handpick all of our hotels to make sure our customers receive the best service and a memorable, comfortable stay. From the Loch Lomond to the beauty of the Alps of Arrochar, there truly is something for everyone with SCOTLAND COACH TOURS and we can't wait for you to join us.

Experience Scotland like never before

Scotland Coach Tours is a family owned coach-tour and tour company with 3 of our own hotels, all in stunning loch side and river side locations. Enjoy the comfort of our modern coaches as you soak up the awe-inspiring landscapes and tour Scotland's historic past. Relax in one of our fabulous hotels after a day of exploring the best that Scotland has to offer.

Start your adventure today

From the Loch Lomond to the beauty of the Alps of Arrochar, there truly is something for everyone with SCOTLAND COACH TOURS. Enjoy Scotland in style on one of our tours.

Stay in our stunning hotels

This is the best way to experience Scotland. You can sit back and relax as you enjoy wonderful meals and live entertainment.

Coach Tours of Scotland from Edinburgh

Scottish highlands tours.

With a selection of tours that range from 1-5 days in length, we are confident that there is a Hairy Coo trip ready to fit in perfectly with your travel plans. Timeframes are no obstacle for us and you’re going to leave Scotland with extensive knowledge of its history, culture and beauty, no matter which of our tours you choose…

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• our most popular!
• Info One Day Tours
• Hour Glass 12.5 hours
• User 7 years+

1-Day Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour

Visit Loch Ness, Glencoe & the incredible landscape of the highlands of Scotland.

• Info Multi-Day Tours
• Hour Glass 3 days

3-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands Tour

Visit the beautiful Isle of Skye. See the Cuillin Mountains, visit Portree, Trotternish and The Quiraing.

• Hour Glass 10 hours

1-Day Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond Tour

Breathtaking scenery, beautiful Highland lochs, mountains and glens, ancient castles and historical sites.

• Hour Glass 5 days

5-Day Oban, Isle of Skye, St Andrews, & North West Highlands Tour

The ultimate Scottish experience – guaranteed satisfaction and memories.

• Hour Glass 10 hours and 15 minutes

1-Day Alnwick Castle, Holy Island & Scottish Borders Tour

Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings, vikings and Harry Potter through the spectacular Scottish Borders and Northumberland coast.

• Hour Glass 2 days

2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe & Oban Tour

Experience the BEST of the Scottish Highlands on this quintessential 2-day tour.

• Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
• Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
• Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
• Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• View All Private Tours
• 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
• 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
• Departure Point
• Gift Vouchers
• Accommodation Explained
• Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
• John Muir Trust
• Our Vehicles
• Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Heart of Scotland Tours - small group bus tours in Scotland

Very small groups of around 12 passengers.

For over 20 years we’ve been carefully designing 5-star, award-winning guided tours which include famous sights and hidden gems that most tourists never see. Travelling safely in a very small group of around 12 passengers means:

• More time off the Wee Red Bus and extra photo stops
• Getting off the beaten track and away from the crowds
• Relaxing in plenty of personal space
• Simple cancellation/rebooking policy – change or cancel up to 24 hours before departure (day tours) and up to 8 days before departure (overnight tours)

Whether it’s a private tour with family and friends or one of our ever-popular scheduled tours, we’re here to help. Our 2024 small group Scotland tours are now available to book .

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

Overnight tours.

2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private tours.

Private Tours of Scotland

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Stornoway Bus Station

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Explore Scotland via Bus & Coach Tours

Forget planning a route or worrying about a parking space. A bus or coach tour in Scotland lets you sit back and admire the beautiful landscapes and scenery. We've got everything from week-long guided bus tours of our islands to city bus tours around Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Travelling by Coach & Bus in Scotland

Bus passing Marischal College in Aberdeen

Coach Operators

Most of the inter-city and longer distance coach services around Scotland are provided by: 

• Scottish Citylink
• National Express

Scotland bus tickets can be bought in advance by phone, online, in stations and often on board. For busy routes and when travelling at peak times, such as weekends or national holidays, it's a good idea to book as early as possible to guarantee a seat.

Coach discount fare options

If you plan to do a lot of travelling by coach, save money with multi-journey tickets, such as:

• Explorer Pass  - offers unlimited travel on Scottish Citylink network
• Megarider  - offered by Stagecoach and provides unlimited travel within certain areas
• National Express offers - explore ways to save money on coach travel with National Express

A First bus for Jedburgh in the centre of Kelso, Scottish Borders

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

When travelling by coach, make sure that you check the baggage allowance restrictions. Coaches often have limited space for larger items such as prams, charge for other extra baggage, and have rules on transporting items such as bicycles.

Find more private hire bus and coach companies

Local services

Four main operators, First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express, and a number of independent operators, run local bus services in Scotland between the main cities, towns and villages.

Services in cities and towns are usually frequent, while in rural areas there is a reduced service, with more buses running around school times (approximately 8:30am and 3:30pm).

For information on all services in and around Scotland's towns and cities, contact   Traveline Scotland   on 0871 200 22 33.

City Sightseeing bus in Rothesay

MINIBUS AND COACH TOURS

Coach tours of Scotland range from small private day trips and weekend minibus tours to longer coach excursions in more remote places. It's a great way to meet fellow travellers and you can find trips to suit every budget and itinerary.

Find your perfect:

• Minibus tour
• Small coach tour

Coach tour itineraries can be themed by specific interests. Maybe you'd like a tour to historic attractions or you're keen to visit our whisky distilleries and sample a dram? You can choose a tour company who'll create a tailored trip just for you.

CITY BUS TOURS  

Taking a city bus tour in Scotland is an excellent way of finding your feet on the first day of your holiday or squeezing in a last burst of sightseeing. Most of Scotland's cities have guided bus trips which provide a whirlwind tour of the main attractions and in multiple languages. Join themed bus tours such as royal connections or famous ghost stories.

Hop-on/hop-off tours are popular because they get you around the city with interesting information on the way. Some tickets are valid for more than one day, so you can take your time and board the bus as many times as you like.

Find a city tour

The Forth Bridge seen from North Queensferry

© VisitScotland/ Kenny Lam

SELF-DRIVING BUS ROUTE

Sit back and take in the views across the Firth of Forth on a self-driving bus! It’s the most ambitious and complex autonomous bus pilot in the world!

Find out more and book your journey

Find a Coach or Bus Tour

Photography tours by bus or coach.

You can also set off on special photography tours which take you to some of our most stunning Scottish locations.

Princes Street seen from the Scott Monument in Edinburgh

Accessible bus and coach travel

Find out more about accessible travel in Scotland with these partners.

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Other things you might like

Everything You Need to Know if You're Travelling to Scotland

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Train Holidays in Scotland - Getting Around by Rail

Scotland's Airports & Flights Around The Country

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Overseas Travel & Flights to Scotland

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Find Your Tour

Official scotland tours from edinburgh, glasgow, inverness and london, top one day scotland tours, loch ness and the highlands.

Price from: £ 59.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies

Price from: £ 52.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

Price from: £ 60.00 Departs from: Glasgow

The Ultimate Skye Tour

Price from: £ 125.00 Departs from: Inverness

Top Tours of Scotland and Scotland Vacations

Jacobite steam train, skye and highlands tour.

Price from: £ 790.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Price from: £ 400.00 Departs from: Edinburgh and Glasgow

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Price from: £ 595.00 Departs from: London

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

Price from: £ 850.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Scottish Tours - The best choice for quality and value for over 100 years.

If you are planning to visit Scotland then you will find our range of one-day trips, short breaks and luxury escorted tours the best way to see the real Scotland - a land of fairytale castles , picturesque lochs and spectacular scenery   including the world famous Jacobite steam train used in the filming of Harry Potter.

Our city and Scotland tours depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London. Our tours of Scotland are the perfect way to explore the real Scotland and convenient too with daily departures on the most popular Scottish Highland tours . We select the routes and tour guides.

With Scottish Tours you can choose to visit Loch Ness and Inverness or Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond - both popular one-day trips of Scotland. Or why not travel further afield, on one of our short break tours. The magical Isle of Skye and Eliean Donan Castle , the remote yet picturesque surroundings of the Applecross Peninsula and nature watching in a lonely Highland glen are just some of the delights that await you when you choose a short break tour with Scottish Tours.

Our extended range of sightseeing tours of Scotland is the most comprehensive available. You can select your Scottish Tour confident in the knowledge that the widest possible choice of tours of Scotland has to offer.

For a different Scotland tour experience check out our exciting range of Scottish train Tours . Speed comfortably from London by Express train to visit our great cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow. Then tour Scotland by luxury coach to visit Inverness, the Isle of Skye or even Scotland's Far North Coast! All in one convenient package.

Much of Scotland can be explored on a comfortable tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. And there is only one way to see Scotland - with Scottish Tours.

Scotland's Must See Destinations

Isle of skye.

The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. See the Cullins and visit the fairy pools.

Scotland's largest expanse of water is shroud in the mystery of 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness monster.

Jacobite Steam Train

Travel aboard the real Hogwarts Express to see mountains, lochs and, of course, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Follow in Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling footsteps on our Outlander tours.

Scotch Whisky

Whisky (Whiskey) takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘water of life’. Malt or blended Scotch is the world leader. Visit distilleries in Islay and Speyside.

Scotland's Islands

Their natural beauty takes your breath away. Local prehistoric treasures and native wildlife are fascinating and rewarding.

Steeped in history and legend, the spectacular Highlands of Scotland, are one of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Scotland’s many historic castles and palaces are just waiting to be explored.

Harry Potter

Whether you’ve watched the entire series or are travelling with kids in tow, get to know the world’s favourite wizard on an exclusive tour. Go to famous filming locations with a Harry Potter day tour or extended Harry Potter tour from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and London.

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Quality Sightseeing since 1907

For over 100 years we've been making touring Scotland a quality experience for visitors from all over the World. Over the years our Scottish tours have been chosen by many thousands of travellers who want to tour Scotland in comfort and style.

Scottish Tours has a long and distinguished pedigree and we are proud to include the famed names of Scottish Motor Traction, Scottish Omnibuses and Eastern Scottish as part of our heritage.

Today we continue to offer our clients the highest standards of service and the very best value. You can tour Scotland with Scottish Tours confident in the knowledge that no one has more experience.

Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours. Discover the highlights of Scotland on a tour to Loch Ness, The Scottish Highlands, Skye and Loch Lomond.

Travel with Confidence ABTA approved travel provider

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Tours from Glasgow

Tours from Edinburgh

• Shore Excursions
• Isle of Iona
• Isle of Mull

Stirling Castle

• Loch Lomond
• Jacobite Steam Train
• Private Tours
• Testimonials
• Covid-19 Safety Procedures
• Sustainability & Green Tourism
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Scotland Tours

Find your tour, award-winning tours of scotland.

When you visit Scotland, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you come on board award-winning Discover Scotland Tours. A Family owned company, we operate small group tours to the Scottish Highlands and Islands from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Our friendly driver-guides can’t wait to share their passion for Scotland’s spectacular natural beauty, history, and heritage. They’ll share our myths and legends and will tell you tales of Scotland’s heroes and villains. They’ll also take you to some of the most beautiful and inspiring views Scotland has to offer.

Why travel with us?

Eco 3 Air Purifiers Eliminates viruses

Guaranteed Departures You Book – You Go

Small Group Tours Maximum 16 Persons

Eco Friendly Tours Supporting Local Communities

Greenock Shore Excursions

Where can we take you?

The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is renowned for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking landscapes. At the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains lie the magical fairy pools, azure blue crystal-clear pools, and waterfalls.

Romantic Loch Lomond

This beautiful loch is the beating heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 720 square miles of stunning scenery from lush rolling countryside and thick forest to vast glens and craggy mountains.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and immerse yourself in breath-taking Highland scenery. The railway line curves over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter.

Outlander Filming Locations

Combine your favourite Outlander filming locations with some beautiful Highland scenery. Take in the historic gems of the Royal Burgh of Culross (Cranesmuir), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) and the foreboding Blackness Castle.

The Isle of Mull

With its quaint villages, miles of coastline and cliffs, majestic mountains and empty beaches, the Isle of Mull is one of the best locations in Scotland to spot rare white-tailed sea eagles, whales, basking sharks, and dolphins.

The Isle of Iona

The tiny sacred Isle of Iona has been a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived here from Ireland in 563 AD. Iona is also the final resting place for many kings of Scotland, including Macbeth.

Perched on top of a vast volcanic rock, and visible from miles around, Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland. It has witnessed sieges, wars, and battles and looks over the famous battle site of Stirling Bridge.

Stunning Glencoe

Driving deep into Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous glen, you can’t fail to be moved by its haunting atmosphere and the legend surrounding the massacre of the Clan MacDonald by government forces in 1692.

Beautiful Oban

Originally a fishing village, Oban on the rugged west coast has grown into a vibrant town. Known as ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ you can savour some of Scotland’s tastiest oysters and mussels around the picturesque harbour.

Mysterious Loch Ness

Loch Ness harbours many mysteries and is the most famous stretch of water in the world. From its famous monster ‘Nessie’, the loch forms part of the 60-mile Caledonian Canal which cuts through the Highlands.

Historic Glenfinnan

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan in an ill-fated attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts to the throne of Great Britain. Harry Potter fans will know the viaduct as the bridge to Hogwarts.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a place where majestic mountains reach up into massive skies. Where sparkling lochs stretch as far as the eye can see, while rugged glens and moorland hide legends of long ago.

Exciting Adventures

Experience Scotland’s breath-taking scenery with the buzz of some high adrenaline thrills. How about a 40-metre-high Highland bungee jump over a dramatic river gorge or a thrilling RIB ride across Loch Ness.

Majestic Castles

There are around 3000 castles in Scotland, many are picturesque ruins, others being medieval towers and craggy fortresses to gilded palaces. Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland.

Scotch Whisky

Scotland has over 130 distilleries across five whisky-making regions. We’ve been enjoying Scotch for at least 500 years. The oldest distillery, Glenturret was founded in 1775, followed by Bowmore in 1779.

A Discover Scotland Tours Gift Certificate makes a thoughtful present for someone you know who is longing to explore Scotland. They could enjoy a small group tour between 1 & 6 days of the Highlands.

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Need help with your booking? - Call 01389 713 713

Discover Coach Holidays Tailored to Your Location

Why Travel with Lochs and Glens Holidays

Discover the wonders of Scotland with Lochs and Glens Holidays. Here are the top reasons to choose us for your next adventure:

Planned Excursions

All of our tours include a wide variety of excursions so that there is something for everyone.

Relaxing Coach Travel

Sit back and relax as your coach will take you directly to the hotel, with comfort breaks on the way.

Over 40 Years' Experience

We pride ourselves in our high-quality service, great hospitality and competitive prices.

Holidays For Every Season

Lochs and Glens Holidays offer coach tours to Scotland throughout the entire year therefore offering the chance to see Scotland in all its beauty. Whether you prefer the light breeze of spring or the cold and darker winters, we have itineraries every month to suit the climate of your choice.

Autumn Holidays

Explore pretty towns and villages in the beautiful autumnal colours. Take advantage of the milder...

Winter Holidays

Our early year breaks offer the chance to see Scotland at its most tranquil. With snow-capped hills and...

Spring Holidays

Join us in Scotland for a trip this spring as we break into the warmer weather. As the bluebells blossom...

Summer Holidays

Join us this summer on our Scenic Scotland tours where you could find yourself exploring the Isle of Arran...

Our Hotels in Scotland

At Lochs and Glens Holidays, we own 6 hotels that offer different itineraries to suit everyone’s tastes. Our hotels are located in some of the most beautiful and rural parts of Scotland making them tranquil and unique. Our coach tours include all advertised excursions, dinner, bed and breakfast with evening entertainment every night.

Ardgartan Hotel

Trip Advisor Travel Rating

• Lochs & Glens flagship hotel
• Offering panoramic views of Loch Long
• Overlooked by the Arrochar Alps

Highland Hotel

• Originally built as a Victorian Railway Hotel
• Within walking distance of Fort William town centre
• Views across Loch Linnhe and the distance Sunart hills

Loch Tummel Hotel

Our Ratings

• The first custom built hotel for Lochs & Glens
• Nestled in the heart of Perthshire
• Surrounding area steeped in Scottish history of clan battles and Jacobite rebellions

Loch Awe Hotel

• Built in 1881 to accommodate the tourist boom in the Highlands
• Views of Kilchurn Castle - the base of the mighty Campbells of Glenorchy for 150 years
• Retains its own scenic train line to Oban and Glasgow

Loch Achray Hotel

• Situated in the heart of the Trossachs
• Overlooked by the towering Ben Venue
• Queen Victoria frequently visited the area on her tours to Scotland

Inversnaid Hotel

• Tucked away on the north eastern banks of Loch Lomond
• Sits on the West Highland Way route
• Once a hunting lodge for the Duke of Montrose

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Coach Holidays to Scotland

About Lochs and Glens

Lochs and Glens Holidays is a family owned coach-tour holiday company with 6 of our own hotels, all in stunning Highland locations. Enjoy the comfort of our modern coaches as you soak up the awe-inspiring landscapes and tour Scotland’s historic past. Relax in one of our fabulous hotels after a day of exploring the best that Scotland has to offer. As the premier company for coach holidays to Scotland, our dedicated teams have been perfecting our holidays for over 40 years.

Client Testimonials

We regularly receive positive feedback from our valued customers who return from our holidays. Take a moment to browse through our page featuring more Lochs & Glens reviews.

Good Morning, I’ve just returned from Mountains and Mistletoe holiday at Loch Awe Hotel. I feel compelled to write and let you know that this holiday was absolutely amazing. The Hotel was immaculate and decorated with Christmas Trees and decorations. T…

The service at the Ardgartan is on a parallel, it is truly EXCEPTIONAL. The attention to detail, in this stunning hotel is impressive indeed. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. With a dairy allergy, the breakfast table is well equipped with no…

Dear Lochs and Glens, we have recently returned from a break at the Loch Awe Hotel. I just want to say 'thank you'. We had a fabulous time. The hotel we loved, all the staff wonderful, nothing was too much trouble and so polite/courteous. Food wonderfu…

Mr & Mrs Price

Comfortable coaches with knowledgeable drivers. Lovely hotels with delicious meals, nightly entertainment and a different excursion every day. What's not to like about Lochs and Glens? They are the masters of the coach holiday. We have had two holidays…

An excellent couple of days at Loch Awe, the hotel was very nice with excellent views over the Loch. Some good trips to the surrounding area, and a great boat trip on Loch Lomond. I can certainly recommend Lochs and Glens and it was great value for mon…

Just returned from a weeks' holiday at the Ardgartan Hotel. From the start to finish, I felt cared for. Our coach drivers Brian and Liz were great and informative over the week. On arrival and tired we were welcomed and our room keys handed to us ri…

Just returned from Loch Achray what a lovely hotel. Clean, modern, food excellent choice and plenty. Great entertainment, lovely friendly helpful staff. Steve coach driver very nice and very knowledgeable made us laugh with some of his stories. Can hig…

Just arrived home from a fantastic holiday at Loch Achray with my 2 sisters and my daughter. Hotel spotless, staff amazing, views were memorizing. Our coach driver Iain Greame is great, very informative about the areas we travelled in, very polite and …

Stephanie P

Just wanted to say thank you. Had a fabulous time on our recent break with Lochs and Glens. Celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with some friends, some of whom were knew to Lochs and Glens and were overwhelmed by the whole experience.

We have just spent eight days at the Highland Hotel which was absolutely amazing. From the manager down to all the staff they were amazing.

Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday with your company in the highland hotel Fort William. The hotel was very comfortable & clean and the staff all so pleasant not forgetting the food fantastic as always.

Financial Peace of Mind

Read About the Financial Position of Lochs and Glens Holidays.

Lochs & Glens Holidays, School Road, Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, G83 8RW.

t: 01389 713 713

e: [email protected]

VAT Number GB ‍415 4314 82

M F Wells Hotels Limited t/a Lochs & Glens Holidays is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their firm reference is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. All insurance prices include Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)

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Timberbush Tours extends a warm Scottish Welcome to you. Fàilte Gu Alba!

This year, we are celebrating 25 years in business. We are one of Scotland’s longest running tour operators who offer a wide range of 1, 2 & 3 day tours. Exploring the Scottish Highlands, Islands and North of England and departing daily from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

Our 5-star, award-winning tours of Scotland, take you on a journey of discovery around Scotland and the North of England's best attractions and historical sites as well as off-the-beaten-track beauty spots.

We also have a dedicated Private Tour department, who can create bespoke Highland tours catered to your passions - be it whisky, golf, history or culture. Whatever you’re looking for, our team of experts can put together a unique Scottish experience just for you.

We love nothing more than showing guests around our beloved Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and can’t wait to have you on tour with us soon.

Want to learn more? See also

What makes us special

Award winning scottish tours.

Timberbush Tours are 5 Star Visit Scotland Accredited Scottish tour operator, so you can rest assured that our tours are of the highest quality.

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

We have been awarded the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence every year since 2011! This is a fantastic achievement we are very proud of, and we would not have received the award without the highly rated feedback from our customers.

The best Driver-Guides

We are lucky to have some of the best Driver-Guides in the industry working for us, and who have been a part of the Timberbush Tours family for many years!

They can’t wait to share the history, culture and show you ‘their’ Scotland. They’re fantastic storytellers, who will captivate you with stories of victory and defeat, of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, of the Highland Way of life, and possibly even a few jokes too!

Modern, air-conditioned coaches

Travel in comfort throughout the highlands and islands on a modern, air-conditioned coach, you will reach your destination relaxed and ready to explore.

We are committed to offering the highest level of comfort and safety for our passengers, and as such we replace and upgrade all of our coaches every three to four years.

We proudly boast a fleet of modern, air-conditioned vehicles, ranging in size from 10 to 53 seats to cater for all group sizes.

Environmentally Friendly Tour Operator

We understand the importance of preserving Scotland’s natural beauty for future generations to enjoy and have adapted our business in order to be as environmentally responsible as possible: our modern coaches are fuel efficient; we promote local businesses and Scottish produce; we encourage our customers to donate to our chosen charity, Trees for Life; we set strict recycling policies at our offices; we promote the use of public transport to staff and customers.

All of these measures help to preserve the environment, and when you take a tour with Timberbush Tours, you can be confident you will be reducing your carbon footprint and in turn helping to keep Scotland beautiful.

For more information on our environmental policies, please visit our  Green Tourism page .

No Credit Card or Booking Fees

The price of the Scottish tour that you see is the price for that tour, excluding meals, accommodation and entrance to attractions.

We don’t deal with transactions fees or booking fees and we do our best to negotiate discounts on the many attractions that we visit in order to allow you to have the fullest experience that you can when visiting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Simple Booking Experience

Booking a Scottish tour with us couldn’t be easier; you can book your tour on our website by selecting our tours, or you can pay us a visit in person and say hello at our office at 555 Castlehill, 2 minutes from the entrance of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile.

If neither of these options are convenient then our friendly Reservations Team are on hand 07:00 - 21:00 daily, all year round to help you book your tour or answer any queries you may have.

Meet our drivers

Our Driver-Guides are the best in the business, and some of them have been with us right from the very beginning of Timberbush over 20 years ago! Read all about them here.

25 years ago husband and wife team, June and Gary Voy, had a vision – to showcase the best of Scotland to guests from around the world, and become the best Scottish Tour Operator Scotland had ever seen. Thus, Timberbush Tours was born!

It all began back on the 6th April 1998, with two lovely passengers who wanted to explore the Highland town of Oban with us. Fast-forward to present day and we now offer a wide range of 1, 2 and 3 day tours of the Scottish Highlands, Islands and North of England departing daily from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness all year round! Our family of staff has grown to over 50, and that one coach has turned into a fleet of our very own contemporary, air-conditioned coaches.

Timberbush Tours vision revolves around 4 key themes:

The Best Tours – Over the years and after many road-trips, June, Gary and the rest of the team have discovered the best Scotland has to offer.

The Best Guides – Our Driver-Guides are some of the best in the industry, who love sharing their passion and knowledge of Scotland to guests from all over the world.

The Best Coaches – We have a full fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches (10 - 53 seaters) to accommodate groups of all sizes. We also replace and upgrade our coaches regularly, ensuring they are safe, comfortable and of the highest spec.

The Best Customer Experience - We are with you from the start of your journey all the way through. From the moment you visit our website, call or email us, or enter our shop - we will help you choose the tour that is right for you and be with you every step of the way!

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Best of Scotland (Summer, 7 Days)

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh
• Day 2 Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
• Day 3 Venture into the Scottish Highlands
• Day 4 Explore Culloden, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye
• Day 5 Journey to Thriving Glasgow
• Day 6 Walk the Walls of Stirling Castle Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
• Day 7 Farewell Glasgow

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Trafalgar

Trafalgar has been hand crafting unique guided holidays for nearly 70 years. They were the first to introduce travellers to the local experience and continue today where destinations come to life through their hand-picked insider experiences. They pave the way by presenting locals who share their stories, culture, and cuisine With over 230 holidays in Europe, North, Central & South America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia Trafalgar offers new ways to travel every year. Choose between 11 travel styles created to satisfy even the most travelled individual. So whether you wish to explore in an intimate group to less visited destinations or travel with your entire family, Trafalgar offers the perfect range of tours that tailors to your needs.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.5
• Guide Excellent 4.7
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Excellent 4.2
• Food Excellent 4.1
• Tour Operator Trafalgar 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• ED Emily · 7th July 2023 Fiona and Steven were the absolute best! Fiona was one of the greatest tour guides I’ve had. This is my first time with trafelgar and they are a major reason I will return. Steven was an amazing driver and I always felt safe. Fiona was so happy,... Show more Trip date: May 2023

• PK Peter · 2nd January 2023 Automatically translated. View in English Rate this translation Automatic translation available in English. View in English Gut,organisiert, mit Kevin einen guten Reiseführer. Das Verhältnis Sightseeing zu Fahrzeit im Bus hätte besser sein... Show more Trip date: December 2022

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• January 2026
• February 2026
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 28 Apr, 2024 Saturday 4 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,275 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 2 May, 2024 Wednesday 8 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €2,275 See Similar Tours For These Dates

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• Thursday 16 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €2,275 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 19 May, 2024 Saturday 25 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €2,275 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Sunday 26 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €2,275 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 2 Other Unavailable Departures
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 30 May, 2024 Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,275 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,295 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 9 Jun, 2024 Saturday 15 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Twin €2,295 See Similar Tours For These Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Each person is allowed to bring one suitcase weighing no more than 23kg (50lbs) and a small day pack on this tour. Your day pack must be small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath your seat. Please be aware that luggage allowances vary from airline to airline and we highly recommend that you check with your chosen carrier for luggage restrictions before your tour.

This tour ends after breakfast at Crowne Plaza in Glasgow. Please be aware that the hotel is subject to change until your final documents are released.

Day 1 of this tour is an arrivals day, which means that you can arrive at Novotel Centre in Edinburgh anytime during the day. Spend the rest of your day exploring Edinburgh's rich history before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception with a light meal and drinks. Please be aware that the meeting hotel is subject to change until your final documents are released.

Airport transfers are included in the tour price, however, they are only available at certain times and are subject to change until your booking is confirmed. Arrival transfers in Edinburgh are available at 9 am, 11.30 am and 2 pm. Departure transfers from Glasgow are available at 7 am and 9 am. If you arrive or depart outside of these times we can arrange a transfer for you for an additional cost once you have a confirmed booking.

The optional excursions for this tour are: Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen. Adult Price: £46.00 Rosslyn Chapel. Adult Price: £18.00 Scottish Show With Dinner. Adult Price: £60.00 Highland Farm Experience. Adult Price: £14.00 Pitlochry. Visit Of Blair Castle. Adult Price: Unknown Glasgow City Evening. Adult Price: £37.00 Loch Lomond Boat Trip. Adult Price: £15.00 Please note that this list is a guideline only and all prices are subject to change.

Of course, we can! Once you have a confirmed booking on this tour, we can request additional accommodation for you with the tour operator.

The age range of this tour is between 5 and 99 years old. Please be aware that small children under 5 years of age are not allowed on this tour as there are no activities included which are suitable for infants.

A single supplement is available for this tour. Please take note that there will be an extra charge for a single supplement room. Contact our Customer Support team to arrange this. If you are okay to share, you will be roomed with a fellow traveller of the same gender for no additional cost.

As a tour booking website, TourRadar cannot organise visas for you on your behalf as the visa requirements are regularly being updated and vary for the nationality of one traveller to the next. It is for this reason that we recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate website for the latest up to date information.

All accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. After the booking is made you will be issued your final trip documents with your specific accommodation details. That being said, this is a list of hotels that they typically stay at, but please be advised that they are subject to change: Novotel Centre Laggan Gaskmore Authentic Accommodation/Highlander Crowne Plaza Hopefully, this list will give you a better idea of what kind of accommodation you can expect while on tour.

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Good to Know

• Currency £ Pound Sterling England and Scotland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 24th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 24th June 2024, a minimum payment of €100 is required to confirm your booking with Trafalgar. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Trafalgar will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Trafalgar" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Private, Tour & Contract Coach Hire in Inverness & the Scottish Highlands

Coach hire & highland bus tours.

It’s what we love to do.

With over 30 years’ experience in the coach industry we are as passionate about your experience as we are about the Highlands.

We pride ourselves on delivering a great range of high-quality coach hire, tour, and bespoke services throughout Inverness and the Scottish Highlands & Islands.

We specialise in offering superior comfort and luxury travel with our modern Fleet of mini coaches built with your experience in mind.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the drive – safe in the knowledge you will arrive at your destination well-rested and on time.

You can count on us for:

• Day excursions
• Wedding day transport
• Youth activities and events
• Scottish Highland bus tours
• Bespoke tours and holidays
• Golf and whisky tours
• Local Authority contracts

Our Services

Our services and hires range from bespoke Scottish Highlands Tour packages, Luxury Scottish Highlands Coach Holidays and Wedding Transport to tailored Day Excursions and Private and Contract Coach Hire.

So whether it’s a Staycation tour experience, Golf get-away, Youth activity trip event, “big night out” or your most special of days… we’ll get you there in comfort and style.

Contract Hire

Highland coach tours, get a free quote today, highland bus tours, providing an experience that will always live in your memories., professional staff, unreal locations, comfortable transport, competitive prices, featured tours.

Eilean Sgitheanach (Isle of Skye)

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Travel Tours Scotland from Heartland Travel Your Award-Winning Scotland Tour Company

Never More Than 16 Passengers

Travel scotland in our luxury mini coach, award winning scotland tours, secure online booking, small group tours of scotland, discover the beauty of our warm and welcoming country with a tempting choice of memorable scotland tours, private tours of scotland, international student tours 3 day isle of skye and loch ness, 4 day classic isle of skye and inverness tour, scotland folk tours, award winning tours of scotland.

Scotland Tours

Authentic tours of scotland from edinburgh, stirling, dundee & st andrews.

Heartland Travel will greet you with a world-famous Scottish welcome as we meet you to start one of our Scotland tours. Our family run small business takes pride in showing our wonderful country to people from all parts of the globe.

We provide excellent guides to lead your journey and take care of the transport and logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy all that our wonderful country has to offer. Each of our guides have a passion for the country and are natural story tellers. We will be able to paint a unique picture of Scotland – with highlights of our fascinating history right up to the current day, coupled with some of the most spectacular landscapes you would ever possibly imagine.

Our private Scottish tours give you a perfect balance of adventure, escapism with a plenty of attention to some ‘must see’ classic attractions throughout the country. Providing you with an honest and authentic Scottish experience is our main aim. On tour we understand that you will want to experience more than just looking out the bus window so we consider time out of the vehicle as important as the journey itself. We will take many opportunities to be off the bus and experiencing more of the natural landscape as you travel Scotland.

Tourism in Scotland - on YOUR Terms

We take pride of our tourism in Scotland and we like you to be in control of your adventure. Our private guided Scottish tours give you the opportunity to choose what you would like to see and do on as you travel Scotland. Whether it’s an Outlander tour or a guided tour of Skye . Your tour is uniquely tailored by us to ensure you have the perfect Scottish vacation. 

Who is Heartland Travel? Discover our story and the dream behind our mission to create the perfect tours of Scotland

Scotland tours faqs.

What is the best way to Travel Scotland?

Our scottish tours..

Heartland Travel is a small family run business with a real passion for Scotland. Nory and Louise, the founders of the company, have always had and a driving ambition to travel and explore Scotland in the fullest of detail. Many years before they started the company, they would spend their spare time travelling the length and breadth of the country to satisfy their need to learn more about places they imagined they needed to visit. Heading off the beaten track to find many of the hidden gems whilst including all the famous sites.

Every weekend and holiday they would make plans to travel Scotland and see more of the beautiful scenery while uncovering some of the journeys they had experienced in their earlier years. Both growing up in Scotland and having enjoyed many family holidays and trips within the country, have plenty of fond memories to share with friends and their own children as they grow up.

It’s quite common for them to throw some essential items in a bag, fill the car with fuel and head outward to find a fresh change of scene. Spending so much of their time in the heart of Scotland, they both have a longing for coastal scenery and a taste of the salty air on our lips. Within a relatively short space of time, they are able to reach out to some of the most beautiful coastlines in Scotland.

Sometimes, just like the toss of a coin, they would look at the weather forecast for both sides of the country before calling either east or west. Route planning and road knowledge would allow them to benefit from the most favourable weather and terrain for each day trip.

As a result of this they have been known drive over to Oban in just over one hour where they enjoy some tasty seafood and swimming at a nearby beach. Similarly, they are able to head out east and visit some of the most pretty fishing villages in the neuk of Fife and sample some award-winning Scottish seafood.

Benefitting from being situated in Scotland’s centre means that both of the largest cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, are easy to get to.

Either of these airports are easy to access and within an ideal range for collecting friends or family when they arrive in the country. Aside from this, arguably Scotland’s most stunning castle is in Stirling, situated right on the doorstep of Heartland Travel, alongside many other well-known visitor attractions which are not to be missed by anyone coming to Scotland for a genuine experience of life in the heart of Scotland.

It is easy here to see the home of Braveheart and visit the National Wallace Monument, but also to revisit the experience of battle at the Bannockburn Centre.

It is entirely possible for this company to pick up passengers from either Edinburgh or Glasgow airports and commence your Scotland tours from this point onward. If you would prefer to hit the ground running and head off on your Scottish Highland Tours, then this can easily be done. The cities can wait until another time!

Given that each season brings a variety of experiences, there are parts of the country which are worthy of revisiting from season to season.  A winter visit to the capital city of Edinburgh can be a crisp and frosty with all of the delights of festive cheer, when a sunny August day in the capital city can turn the heat levels up with people jostling to get tickets for THE latest top billing festival show whilst grappling for an ice cold beer at the bar.

Regardless of season, time of year or climate, you will find that there is always a perfect adventure to be had and a wonderful journey to be experienced. No matter what the weather is doing, there’s always something interesting to do. If the weather is a little grey and wet outside, then why not throw on your waterproofs, wellington boots and get out hiking. The weather can be variable but as some would say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing and shoes.

One thing in Scotland is that it’s fairly common to experience a whole host of weather systems in just one day. So, its important to emphasise the importance of being prepared to handle all types of weather when you travel Scotland.

Winter During the months of December, January and February you can expect to find an average maximum temperature of 5°C (41°F). Snow appears from time to time in some parts of the country with the main snowfall appearing in the Highland regions. The Scots are glad to posses some decent uplift in 5 different areas in the north for skiing and snowboarding.

Interesting fact – the long dark winter nights make it possible for star gazers to view some remarkable sights with so little light pollution in certain parts of the country. Astrologists should check out the designated Dark Sky areas in Scotland.

Spring is the season when Scotland is bright, vibrant and colourful with flowers in bloom. A glorious time to visit when flowers and blossoms are in bloom. One of the most delightful sights has to be the sight of frolicking new lambs in the stunning countryside. There are plenty of Scottish Highland tours to enjoy at this time of year. Even if you do experience an April shower or two, there will probably be rainbows soon to follow.

Interesting fact – Scotland has more sheep than people. There are 6.7 million sheep and just 5.5 million people!

Summer At this time of year, the months of June, July and August are the busiest with visitor numbers and travel to Scotland reaching record highs. It would be unlikely to develop a sun tan in Scotland as the temperature is usually in the region of 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). 

This is a great time of year to do a multi-day tour of the Highlands and Orkney. Highland Games take place in a variety of locations across the country and the Edinburgh Festivals will bring to city to life throughout late August and July. This is a great time to visit the city of Edinburgh and visit Roslin Chapel while you are in the area.

Interesting fact – the high latitude of Scotland means that long summer days can be enjoyed with four hours more daylight in the far north of Scotland than London.

The long daylight hours means that you could play a round of golf in the middle of the night on Orkney or Shetland.

Autumn (or Fall) Possibly one of the most visually stunning times of year to travel Scotland. Between the months of September to November, the colours of autumn are spectacular -with

Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F) from September to November. The weather may be cooler and wetter but the colours of autumn are eye catching and vibrant as the trees change from grassy green to burnt orange, with amber hues and fiery reds. A wonderful time to grab a camera and enjoy the colourful countryside on display while you travel Scotland, undercover, on one of the Highland Tours. You might even be able to stop by a distillery for a visit.

Interesting fact – ‘today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.’

When is the busiest time of year to Travel Scotland?

Summer months are often the busiest in all parts of the country. If you plan to travel at this time of year, might be best to book your tour of Scotland and accommodation well in advance of your arrival. Some of the activities on offer (such as Edinburgh festival tickets) are seasonal and can only be seen on particular days.

However, there are so many other thing to be experienced in Edinburgh at other times over any year.

This country is small and compact, with most of the population living in the lower regions or central belt of Scotland. The highlands and islands of Scotland are considered the safest place in the whole of the UK, with consistently showing the lowest crime rates per capita.

When you are travelling the north of Scotland you will quickly understand how the small communities live quite peacefully, often in quite rural situations. There are many miles of undisturbed, and often unpopulated countryside where traffic is minimal. The roads themselves are therefore small and narrow. If one is not used to driving on the left hand side of the road then it might be best to take advantage of Scotland tours and allow the driver guide to take the strain away from driving.

This same advice should be taken on board in cities. With sprawling populations and intense traffic volume situations, it might be best not to jump in a hire car as soon as you arrive.

If you are flying into Scotland, there are a few airports to choose from, depending on our airline of choice. The three largest airports are Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. There are also airports at Inverness, Dundee and Prestwick, alongside a few smaller ones serving some flights to the Highlands ust and islands.

Edinburgh airport is Scotland’s busiest and has good connections into the city centre with bus and tram links. Similar services are available from Glasgow airport.

With some advanced notice or your arrival, Heartland Travel can arrange to pick you up at the airport when you arrive and you can start your Scotland tour immediately.

There are so many towns and cities you should try to visit in Scotland. Even though we are a relatively small country, there are hundreds of miles of coastline and land to explore. There are a great number of hills and mountains here, so very few of the roads are long and straight. This makes travel in Scotland all the more inviting and interesting.

Edinburgh has to be one of the most remarkable and beautiful cityscapes in the world. An official UNESCO site since 1995, this place is a true marvel to explore. With such a rich heritage, history and culture to uncover, time spent in this capital city can be such an exciting experience to embrace.

Glasgow is made up by a city of people who are extremely proud of their city and are eager to share it with visitors. Bursting at the seams with galleries, art, music and pubs, there’s no shortage of warmth and hospitality from local people in this bright, bustling city. There are many hidden jewels to uncover in this vibrant and dynamic city.

Dundee has emerged significantly in recent years with much development of the waterside area of the city. Developments such as the V&A museum and the industrial waterside have caused a real stir amongst art and design enthusiasts. This city is definitely worth visiting if you’re planning to spend some time exploring Tayside and Angus further. Just a short journey over the Tay Bridge and within just 30 minutes, you can visit the home of golf at St Andrews.

Aberdeen is a welcoming city in north east of Scotland. It’s often known as the Granite City due to the glimmer and sparkle from its traditional granite stone buildings. With one face towards the cold and windy North Sea, this city has an international population linked to the offshore petroleum industry. The bustling fishing port here acts also as a terminus for some ferry links to Norway, Shetland and Orkney.

With no less than 260 castles in Aberdeenshire, this region is commonly known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’. This is a great base to have if you are mad about castles and have a ‘must see list’ of castles to visit in Scotland.

English is most commonly used in Scotland, however there are a range of dialects and accents which feature in difference regions of the country.  Shaped by our rich history and vibrant Gaelic culture, there are around 60,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland today.

Our driver guide will be happy to teach you a couple of Gaelic phrases if you join one of our Scottish tours.

Pound Sterling or (GBP) British Pound is the currency used in Scotland. There are Scottish Banks who produce Scottish pound notes which hold exactly the same value as English pound notes. In Scotland, we accept both English and Scottish pound notes.

Most s0hops, restaurants and hotels accept cash or card as payment. However, in some of the rural towns and villages, cash is the preferred payment. There are banks and card machines in most towns where you can withdraw cash.

Heartland Travel Tours of Scotland Reviews

Interview with our owner on the Bannockburn centre Stirling

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

12 Reasons I Loved My 8-Day Bus Tour Through Scotland

• Destinations
• United Kingdom

Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, I didn’t know much about travel apart from geography classes and books. I remember my older sister Kathy being enamored with the Scottish Highlands, castles, kilts, bagpipes, and all things Scotland. It was a dream destination for her, but as a country kid, she might as well have wanted to go to the moon (Elon Musk, notwithstanding).

Decades passed. A few years ago, I asked her if she still had the dream to go to Scotland. She did but couldn’t convince her Caribbean cruise friends to try a different destination. An idea occurred to me — maybe I could travel to Scotland with her. (Don’t think me too noble; after all, I was volunteering to travel to Scotland!)

We booked an 8-day bus tour, fittingly called “ Scottish Dream ,” with CIE Tours, a company that specializes in United Kingdom travel. The trip started in the bustling city of Glasgow in western Scotland, traveled by coach bus in a horseshoe shape, and ended in the capital city of Edinburgh. I loved it, and here are a dozen reasons you might love it, too.

1. Curious Floating Heads In A Glasgow Museum

In addition to traditional art at the 22 galleries of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , you can’t miss the unusual Hanging Heads , created by artist Sophie Cave. Museum lighting highlights the emotional expressions — everything from joy to agony — on some 50+ heads. It’s the kind of thing you can’t help but stare at, and it’s fascinating (and a bit creepy) that some stare back!

2. Panoramic Views On A Loch Lomond Cruise

I’m not sure if we took the high road or low road to get to Loch Lomond, but I can tell you that the Scots drive on the “wrong” side of the road, which made us glad to be on a bus tour instead of maneuvering those roads on our own! We took a short boat cruise on this classic loch (Scottish for lake), and although the day was cloudy and rainy, our spirits couldn’t be dampened.

3. “Weapons Made Art” At Inveraray Castle

In our first castle in the Scottish Highlands, Inveraray Castle , I was struck by the elaborate décor in the foyer, which strikes a perfect balance of art and weaponry. The walls showcased an array of weapons, including guns, war shields, spears, and blades. Those who dare to enter, take heed!

Pro Tip: Lunchtime in Inveraray? Head to the Argyll Bar and if you’re lucky, they’ll be serving up fresh, locally caught salmon. You’ll know it by the unpretentious sign: “Bar meals, lunches and suppers – served by attentive staff.”

4. Hike Around The Stunning Glenfinnan Monument

Erected in 1815, this stately monument honors the fallen Jacobite clansmen who battled and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. If you have time, stretch your legs on a short climb up the hill at the visitor center to take in endless mountain views.

Pro Tip: Tickets to climb the monument are available for a small fee at the visitor center or online .

5. The Romantic Gardens Of Armadale Castle

After a short car ferry (or should I say an “enormous touring bus” ferry), ride from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye, part of the Inner Hebrides archipelagos off the western coast of Scotland, we enjoyed a self-guided tour of the Clan Donald Centre at the Armadale Castle ruins. The ruins and gardens were stately: flowers everywhere, footbridges over bubbling streams, decorative gates, trellises, archways, and more.

Pro Tip: After touring the Isle of Skye, make a photo stop at the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle .

6. The Deep Dark Waters Of Loch Ness

Ah, the Loch Ness Monster. Lore or legacy, who can say? Loch Ness is about 23 miles long and has a depth of nearly 800 feet. The weather was so idyllic the day we were there, I could see why Nessie would want to live there forever. Kathy and I took a short walk to the lake, and I loved this beautiful sign: “ Like the heart, the true heart, however cold the world might be, the loch never freezes.”

As for Nessie, sightings are guaranteed with a large statue outside the visitor center. Inside, you can purchase every size of stuffed animal Nessie imaginable!

7. Sink Your Fingers Into Sheep Shearing

I loved this sheep farm near Pitlochry, with its rolling, verdant hills. A shepherd led a demonstration with 18 sheepdogs at his command. Through a series of whistles and words, he called each dog to work or to rest. They were obedient — and fast — as they rounded up sheep!

Only six people (including Kathy and me) on our tour of 38 “helped” the shepherd shear a sheep. Others were more interested in the next activity: feeding lambs from large-sized “baby” bottles.

What I loved most here was the shepherd. A local boy, he said he’d always admired this working farm and wanted, one day, to be a shepherd here. How often do you hear someone say they’ve landed their ideal job? His boyhood dream job, fulfilled. Not unlike Kathy’s childhood dream vacation, being fulfilled. It all made me glad.

Pro Tip: When it’s time to rest your weary head in Pitlochry, feel like a king or queen for a night and stay at the glorious Atholl Palace Hotel .

8. Photo Op With The Blair Castle Bagpiper

Seen one castle, seen ‘em all? The tour of this one, home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, was again full of history, beauty, and luxury. But I loved that when we stepped off the bus, we heard the unmistakable skirl of bagpipes, lassie! After the tour, to my delight, we had a photo op with the bagpiper.

Pro Tip: If you travel the Scottish Highlands from July to September, you’ll see fields of heather (August is the peak month for flowering and fragrance). By October, when we traveled, the heather fields had turned a rusty red but were still lovely.

Pro Tip: Looking for a unique souvenir in Pitlochry? Heathergems makes beautiful Scottish jewelry and giftware from natural heather stems. They are the only manufacturers of this one-of-a-kind Scottish product in the world .

9. Get In Good Spirits At Blair Athol Distillery

This distillery makes a Highland single malt Scotch whisky. According to our guide, when whisky is aged in barrels, it releases a gas that blackens tree trunks. Apparently in the Scottish prohibition, stubborn Scots who still wanted their booze set up distilleries in the woods. When searching authorities happened upon some black-as-night tree trunks, they’d know there was a bootlegged distillery somewhere nearby! For us, our tour ended in the tasting room with a shot of whisky all around.

10. A Bird’s-Eye View From The Ramparts Of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, with wide streets and elegant mansions in the new section and narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. On our last castle tour, we ventured inside Edinburgh Castle with its dramatic views of the city and Blackness Bay, leading out to the North Sea.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling in August, don’t miss the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo , an elaborate “pomp and ceremony” military performance that showcases music and cultural acts from around the world. 

11. Try New Foods And Part With A Few Euros

Food and shopping are common reasons to love a trip, and this one was no exception. Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast buffet with black pudding, porridge, fried eggs, crispy bacon, baked beans, hash browns, sausages, tattie scones (sort of a potato pancake), mushrooms, and fried tomatoes. You might want to try haggis, but then again, you might not. (Perhaps it’s an acquired taste?)

As for shopping, the rich tartan plaids are irresistible, and you’ll find them in everything from scarves to purses to blazers to berets. Scotland’s national flower, the thistle, can be found on gifts of all kinds. Other treasures I purchased included whisky tea, whisky-flavored coffee, and a bottle of Scotch whisky (hmmm … there’s a theme here).

12. Travel With Someone Special

Kathy and I hadn’t roomed together since we were kids, some 50 years ago. I think sharing my sister’s childhood dream vacation was almost as good as taking one of my own. From a TV that mysteriously turned on by itself one night in a castle lodging (“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts”) to a fascination with the shaggy but adorable hairy coo (Scottish cattle of sorts) to arguing over who “gets the window” on the bus (some things never change), it was a trip that created unforgettable memories. For both of us, this trip truly was a Scottish dream. 

Related Articles :

• My 6 Favorite Historic Sites To Experience In Southern Scotland
• Check out 7 Fantastic Walking Tours In Scotland
• 7 Reasons I Love Exploring The Scottish Highlands By Water

Although it’s hard to pick a favorite travel experience, the top of the list includes these extremes: a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and relaxing in an infinity pool on a cruise ship off the coast of Monaco. Apart from her love for writing and travel, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and photography, and she has a strong faith. She finds joy in the simplest things and is always ready for the next adventure.

THE 10 BEST Scotland Bus Tours

Bus tours in scotland.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

61. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

62. Private Tour to Loch Ness Culloden Battlefield Clava and Cawdor

63. Glen Affric & Culloden Tour from Inverness Including Admissions

64. Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

65. John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle & the Far North from Inverness

66. Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh

67. West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh

68. Orkney Travel Classic Tour - 5-6 hours

69. Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness - 3 Day Tour from Glasgow

70. Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

71. Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Joint Tour

72. Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness

73. The Complete Loch Ness Experience Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

74. Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness from port

75. Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles from Glasgow

76. Private Bespoke Skye Tour

77. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour with Admission

78. Isle of Skye Tour From Inverness

79. Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - 2 Day Tour from Edinburgh

80. Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen

81. Full-Day Trip: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands from Edinburgh

82. Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure - Winter Edition from Glasgow

83. Glasgow Afternoon Tea Experience

84. Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

85. Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh

86. Coastal Charms: St Andrews & Kingdom of Fife Private Day Trip

87. North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

88. Full-Day Private Guided Shennachies Road to Isles and Skye Tour

89. 4-Day Islay & Whisky Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

90. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow

What travelers are saying.

1 dead after shuttle bus crashes at a Honolulu cruise ship terminal

HONOLULU — One person died and multiple people were injured when a shuttle bus collided with pedestrians and concrete barriers at a Honolulu cruise ship terminal, authorities said Friday.

The crash occurred when the shuttle bus driver mistook the gas pedal for the brake, Honolulu police said in statement.

The driver had dropped off customers at Pier 2 when bystanders noticed the bus was moving forward, police said. The driver jumped in the driver’s seat and attempted to stop the vehicle when he stepped on the gas, police said.

One pedestrian, a 68-year-old woman, died. Paramedics took four others in their 50s and 60s to the hospital in serious condition. They also took a man in his 70s to the hospital in stable condition.

Paramedics evaluated and bandaged six others who declined transportation to the hospital, said Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright.

Police said speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, police said.

The Associated Press

1 dead, several injured in Honolulu after shuttle bus crashes outside cruise terminal

One person has died and multiple people were injured in a shuttle bus crash in Honolulu , Hawaii on Friday.

"Nine Carnival Miracle guests were hit by a shuttle bus in the transportation area outside the Honolulu cruise terminal on Friday morning," Matt Lupoli, senior manager of the Carnival Cruise Line , told USA TODAY. "Sadly, one guest has died from her injuries. She was traveling with her husband, who was also injured and is expected to recover."

The shuttle bus crashed into pedestrians and two concrete barriers at the terminal. The shuttle bus driver mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the break when they attempted to stop the bus from moving, Hawaii News Now reported.

All of the victims were taken to local hospitals and are being treated for their injuries. The victims are in different conditions ranging from serious to stable, the news outlet said.

"Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests. Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones," Lupoli said.

USA TODAY has reached out to the  Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services for comment.

1 dead, 13 injured: After man crashes truck into Texas Department of Public Safety building

Eyewitnesses share their experience after the Honolulu shuttle bus crash, reports state

Eyewitness told KITV Island News that the relaxing Friday morning turned deadly after the shuttle bus crash.

"We heard the tire of a vehicle screeching," Lillian Le, a visitor from Denver told the broadcast station. "We looked and it was a bus running over people and hit against a wall."

An employee at the complex said he has never experienced this before.

"We saw the first responders coming, it was substantial, probably about 10 a.m., four or five ambulances, two fire trucks, ten cop cars, looked pretty bad - it's really distressing," Mark Elwell, an employee at the complex wher the accident occurred. "I've worked here 21 years, I've never seen anything to this magnitude, really sad to see, obviously people were hurt pretty bad to be taken away by ambulance."

Jessica Lani Rich, a visitor at the Aloha Society of Hawaii told KITV Island News that the woman who died was celebrating her 46th wedding anniversary with her husband.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X @forbesfineest.