Ring of Breadalbane Explorer bus service

29/06/2012
N/A

A pioneering hop-on/hop-off bus service has been launched to showcase the area of Breadalbane as Scotland’s hidden tourist gem.

The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer pilot scheme will encourage visitors and locals alike to explore the rich culture, heritage and landscapes of central Scotland. The aim is to replicate the success of Ireland’s spectacular ‘Ring of Kerry’ tourist trail.

Tourists using the new service will be able to pass through some of Scotland’s major attractions such as the Scottish Crannog Centre, the Famous Grouse Experience and Auchingarrich Wildlife Park. The service will also benefit local residents and cater for those with bicycles.

The new scheme is the brainchild of the Breadalbane Tourism Co-operative (BTC) – a collection of businesses working together to promote the wider area. It is believed to be the first time that a tourism group has collaborated in this way to secure funding from two different councils.

The Breadalbane Group was originally formed by the Rural Team at Scottish Enterprise over four years ago as one of its 'Planning to Succeed' groups and continues to receive facilitation support.

The group has secured funding from Stirling and Perth & Kinross Councils, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scottish Enterprise, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (Big Tree Country) and number of local businesses within the Explorer’s ‘Ring’. It will also breathe new life into rural communities by providing viable public transport and maximising the tourism offer of the area.

Support for the scheme has come from Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) – a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise.

Sarah Deas, chief executive of Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), said: “Breadalbane Tourism Co-operative is an excellent example of what can be achieved by the consortium business model. It allows businesses in the area to come together and launch this exciting new route which will put Breadalbane on the map in every sense.

The service will run six times a day, four days per week from the 17th of July through to the 16th of September operated by Kingshouse Travel of Balquhidder. The complete circular route takes about three hours with fares to be priced at £9 per adult for all-day ticket or £15 for a two-day ticket.

For more information, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/breadalbaneexplorer or call 01877 384768

For more information please visit our website at http://www.facebook.com/breadalbaneexplorer

Explore Perthshire

Stay in touch...

Did you know?