Inverness-based D&E Coaches, believed to be the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland, has welcomed over 1,600 passengers onto its Inverness City Sightseeing bus tours since taking over the contract in May.
The service operates on two routes around Inverness and the surrounding area and offers passengers a guided tour. Attractions include St Andrew’s Cathedral, Eden Court Theatre, the Caledonian Canal and Culloden Battlefield.
The operator puts the growth in passenger numbers on its hop-on, hop-off service down to the summer weather.
“We’ve been delighted with the response to the City Sightseeing tours since we took over the service a little over a month ago,” says D&E Coaches owner Donald Mathieson (pictured). “The Highlands is heavily reliant on tourism, so it has been great to see visitors start to return to the region over the last few weeks.
“What has been fantastic to see is that it’s not just newcomers to the region who are getting involved. We’ve noticed a great increase in locals utilising the service to explore the Highlands and become tourists in their own back yard.
“As we progress through the school holidays, there are amazing opportunities for families to holiday at home, and get out and about in Inverness and the Highlands to experience all the sights on their doorsteps.”