We are thrilled to announce the resumption of our tour programme from 26 April 2021. Initially, a limited selection of day tours will begin operating, with more tour departures being added from 1 May 2021 onwards.
Reservations are now open, so to make sure you can travel on the tour you want book your seats today.
We are looking forward to welcoming you back on board and showing you the real Scotland!
Scottish Government Guidance from 26 April
On 26 April 2021, the following changes will be made to current Coronavirus Restrictions by the Scottish Government:
- Travel throughout mainland Scotland will be allowed including from the mainland to Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.
- Travel from England and Wales to Scotland will be permitted.
- Tourist accommodation such as hotels and guesthouses can open.The whole of Scotland will be moved into Tier 3 status.
- Visitor attractions, including historic buildings and museums, can also open. However, some may restrict entry or remain closed due to social-distancing issues.
- Indoor hospitality (restaurants, cafes and bars) can remain open until 20:00 hrs with no alcohol being served.
- Outdoor hospitality where alcohol can be served can remain open until 22:00 hrs.
- Social gatherings can be a maximum of 4 people from 2 households inside or 6 people from 3 households outside.
The current guidance on social distancing, use of facemasks and enhanced hygiene regimes will remain in place.
If the transmission of the Covid-19 virus continues to reduce, it’s planned to further lift restrictions on 17 May 2021. This will allow hospitality venues (restaurants, cafes and bars) to stay open until 22:30 hrs indoors with alcohol permitted and 2 hour time-limited slots.
Stay Informed
The Coronavirus restrictions are under constant review, and you can check the latest Scottish Government advice by following these links:
Visiting Scotland from overseas:
Visiting Scotland from the rest of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
(Known as the “Common Travel Area”)
Coronavirus: Timetable for easing restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel on a coach tour?
Great efforts are being made by operators to make the coach tours featured on this website safe and Covid secure. Following a complete Covid risk assessment, the following policies will be in place:
- A facemask must be worn while travelling and use the hand sanitiser, where provided, when boarding and alighting from the vehicle.
- Use an EVoucher where this facility exists – just show your voucher on your smart device when you join the tour.
- Each passenger will have their temperature checked as they board the tour bus.
- Coaches will be deep cleaned between tours, and common touchpoints will be regularly cleaned throughout the tour.
- When visiting attractions and taking part in activities guidance from crew and venue staff will be provided on the safety measures in place.
- Each household will be seated together on the tour vehicle in allocated seats to ensure indoor social distancing rules.
- Passengers will occupy the same seat for the duration of the tour.
- Only one household per booking will be accepted.
How many people can travel together?
Scottish Government regulations mean that from 26 April 2021, a maximum of 4 passengers from 2 households (not including children aged under 12) can travel together.
Please note that each household should make their own booking to ensure that adequate social distancing is in place on coaches.
This restriction will be reviewed in early June 2021.
Will the Jacobite Steam Train be operating?
West Coast Railways, the train operators, have announced that the service will recommence on 26 April 2021. The capacity of the train has been reduced to allow for social distancing.
All the tours we sell on our website include reserved seats on the train, so your trip is guaranteed.
Are visitor attractions and activities open?
Scotland’s many visitor attractions range from ancient ruins to high-tech museums and galleries. Each property has been audited to ensure that visitors have a safe and healthy experience.
In most cases, there will be controlled access to ensure there is no overcrowding and, where social distancing can’t be maintained, parts of the building may be closed.
You may have the opportunity of booking tickets in advance and, where this option is possible, we will contact you after booking with details.
Each tour page has an FAQ section that lists the attractions included in the itinerary with links to the property’s website so you can check the current status.
What happens if I need to change or cancel my reservation?
Many of the tours that we sell are covered by our Book Assured policy. This allows you to make a confirmed reservation for a 20% deposit and pay the balance shortly before your departure date.
On a Book Assured tour, you can change the date or cancel your booking and get a full refund if you give adequate notice. Book Assured is available on selected one-day and multi-day tours - click on the links for more details.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@scottishtours.co.uk.