Heart of Scotland Tours
5 Stars for Heart of Scotland Tours
Heart of Scotland Tours have just been awarded a prestigious 5 stars rating in the category of Tour operator by VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourist Board.
Heart of Scotland Tours was established in April 2001 by Nick Roche, who specialises in running half-day, one-day and two-day minibus tours in his famous 'Wee Red Bus'.
Despite 2001, the company's first year of business being a difficult year for tourism, Heart of Scotland Tours quickly established itself as a respected tour operator which is now developing even further during 2002. The award of 5 stars is the culmination of years of extremely hard work and planning and brings Heart of Scotland Tours up to the highest level of any minibus or mini-coach tour operator in Scotland.
The award brings a vital recognition of the company's quality and professionalism and of course its immediate popularity with visitors. So what inspired Nick Roche to create Heart of Scotland tours?
"I have always had a tremendous pride in my country and an ambition to share my favourite parts of Scotland with visitors. Our short tours have been specially designed to do this, so I am absolutely delighted to achieve a 5 star rating."
Heart of Scotland Tours provide great value for money and the small group sizes mean a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The driver/guides are experienced and knowledgeable who simply wish to pass on their passionate interest in Scotland and its history. You are not sitting on a bus all day but take time out for nature walks and other outings in the countryside to appreciate at close hand the unspoilt beauty of its mountains, lochs, rivers and glens.
The range of tours is constantly being updated, but the following are scheduled for 2007:
Loch Ness and Legends
How can you visit Scotland without venturing north to try and spot the Loch Ness Monster? Seven days a week, there is an all-day tour which will take you to the beautiful Trossachs, the heart of Rob Roy country. Then north to Fort William and the stunning sight of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. The journey progresses along the banks of Loch Ness, so remember your binoculars. This is where there will be a lengthy stop to give people time to explore or perhaps take a boat trip.
"We enjoyed every minute of this tour and really appreciated the guide's knowledge of this country and the personal attention to each visitor."
Mr. and Mrs. Rajamaran, India
Da Vinci and Border Quest
Mystery, natural beauty, history - and whisky. This tour captures the essence of Scotland from the amazing 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, the Glenkinchie Distillery to the lovely Scottish border country - the land of Sir Walter Scott.Heartlands and Heroes
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's greatest heroes Robert the Bruce and Wallace on this unique trip into the historic heartlands to Stirling, then westwards to the beautiful Trossachs and the queen of lochs, Loch Lomond.Saints and Sinners
The Kingdom of Fife is one of Scotland's best kept secrets - tiny historic fishing villages, some hardly changed for hundreds of years. Includes a boat trip on the river Forth and motoring along the coast of the East Neuk of Fife and stop at the charmingly picturesque villages such as Elie or Crail with its medieval harbour with its piles of lobster pots.
Castles, Coast and Whisky
This very relaxed day trip on the minor roads of Mid and East Lothian allows ample time to see five castles (stopping at two, including Tanatallon), have a leisurely lunch in North Berwick and visit the ever-friendly (and generous!) Glenkinchie Distillery.Private Tours
The company runs scheduled tours from Edinburgh and can also arrange private tours/itineraries tailored to customer needs. Their philosophy is to guide clients through a Scottish experience which reflects the beauty and diversity of Scotland's countryside, culture and history, food and drink.Heart of Scotland Tours is a 'sightseeing' company with a difference - they seek out the less well known, but equally beautiful sights, as well as the more famous sights and landmarks.
"The comfortable bus and small tour group was much more personal than normal tours."
Pedro, Spain.There is more information on the Heart of Scotland Tours Website.
