Special birthday celebrations have taken place as airborne twins mark 40 years since their delivery on board an air ambulance with the UK’s largest regional airline Loganair.
40 years ago, on 13 August, twins Lynsey and David Henderson were uniquely born almost 40 miles apart. The eldest of the two, Lynsey was delivered by Dr. Freshwater on the special Britten-Norman Islander air ambulance flight as it flew over the sea enroute from Tingwall Airport to Aberdeen.
Younger brother David waited until wheels-down on the runway at Aberdeen Airport to make his special appearance.
Twins Lynsey and David, who had arrived four weeks earlier than their due date, were then whisked to Aberdeen Hospital for review, alongside first-time mum Mandy Henderson and dad Adrian Henderson.
Ten days later, after a short stay in hospital, Mandy and Adrian returned home to Shetland, this time with planned company from their new-born baby twins.
Earlier this week, Lynsey and David were both welcomed back to Shetland by Loganair to be presented with a birthday gift of flight tickets from Captain Eddie Watt at Sumburgh Airport.
It was an extra-special meeting as Eddie Watt gifted birthday treats from the airline to David and Lynsey some 19 years ago for their 21st birthday.
Still flying Loganair to this day, coincidentally the twins landed in Sumburgh on a Loganair flight from Bergen to be greeted by the airline staff.
Lynsey had recently competed in the gruelling Norseman Triathlon with encouragement from her support team, which included brother David. Lynsey, a chemist at The Sullom Voe Terminal in Shetland, secured her place at the Norseman following success at the Celtman Extreme Triathlon in the Scottish Highlands and has previously competed for Shetland at the Island Games.
The special delivery on board back in 1982 welcomed just two of over 20 airborne childbirths that Loganair has supported throughout its 60-year history. As the UK’s largest regional airline and one that flies to more island destinations across Britain than any other airline, it still plays a significant role in transporting patients to mainland hospital appointments today.
More recently, Loganair renovated its regular DHC-6 Twin Otter and Saab 340 aircraft into air ambulances to support the Scottish Ambulance Service with transfers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
David Henderson, a civil servant based in Lerwick, said: “It’s nice for a couple of ageing twins that our birth, on an ambulance flight 40 years ago, has become a small part of the history of the important Shetland to Aberdeen route.
“Our thanks to Loganair for marking the occasion.”
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Chief Executive, said: “We have a long history of connecting communities for all kinds of travel requirements, including the unexpected ones.
“David and Lynsey are part of a small but elite club of babies born on board with Loganair and it was great to present them with a small token to mark their 40th birthday celebrations. We’re very proud to still play an important role today in connecting remote communities to the mainland for NHS treatment.”
Project seeks to showcase east Cowal (Argyll) historic landmarks
The ECHO (East Cowal Heritage Outdoors) Trails project, a network of landmarks and walking trails encompassing the shores of Holy Loch, Loch Eck, Loch Long and Loch Goil, has been officially launched after a two-year delay due to Covid-19.
Representatives from Forestry & Land Scotland, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the AITC (Argyll & Isles Tourism Co-operative), Dunoon Area Alliance, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Bookpoint Dunoon gathered recently at Historic Kilmun to celebrate the launch.
The ECHO Trails incorporates ten key landmarks around the east Cowal peninsula, including Puck’s Glen, Benmore Botanic Garden and the beach at Ardentinny, as well as a number of places of interest that reflect the rich heritage and notable, historic personalities associated with this small corner of Argyll.
Funding for the project has come from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Bookpoint Dunoon, HES and the Culture and Business Fund Scotland.
Jenni Minto, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Argyll and Bute, commented: “Cowal is such a beautiful part of the world, rich in landmarks and history, so anything that can be done to help showcase this should be encouraged and the ECHO trails project does just that!”
Ciorsdan Taylor, AITC Community Engagement Agent for Cowal, commented: “The ECHO Trails are a wonderful way of showcasing the interesting heritage and landmarks we have here in Cowal and there are many of them to see.
“The AITC is very glad to be supporting and promoting this great resource within Cowal and we hope that many visitors to the area and local people will use it for many years to come.”
Dinah McDonald, owner of the Bookpoint bookshop in Dunoon, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this fascinating project which will enable so many more people to explore and appreciate the amazing heritage of this peaceful corner of Argyll.
“Stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and a historical heritage going back over 3000 years, it feels like the heritage of Scotland all in one small area.”
Rob Wilkinson, appointed co-ordinator for the project earlier this year, commented: “The ECHO Trails builds on the great work of Robin Patel carried out before the arrival of the coronavirus and seeks to create an identity for this part of the world in much the same way as the Secret Coast and the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail around Dumbarton and Helensburgh.
“Links have been established with a number of community-focused organisations and individuals and we will soon be appointing a “Friends of the ECHO Trails” committee to determine the future direction of the project. There is so much potential when it comes to building a vibrant community network”.
Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at HES, said: “We’re pleased to support this project as part of our Organisational Support Fund. The ECHO Trail is a fantastic way to encourage visitors to explore the history and heritage of East Cowal.”
Steve Gillen of Forestry & Land Scotland said: “It’s fantastic to see this project finally coming to fruition after so much hard work by the ECHO team over the past few years.
“It is a great opportunity to highlight the number and variety of destinations in the area, and to promote and encourage responsible public access across them.”
The ECHO Trails project will be linking up with the Cowal Open Studios network to showcase the work of local artists on the 24th and 25th September at Historic Kilmun to coincide with the COS open studios weekend (23rd to 26th September).
For more information please visit www.echotrails.org. A free app “ECHO Trails” is also available for download.
The benefits of booking with a Travel Agent and the myths dispelled
Today, Friday, 22nd July, marks National Travel Agent Day. Across the UK and Ireland more than 3,700 travel agents and over 11,000 homeworkers will be celebrating this trusted profession dating back to the early 1800s.
Launched during the pandemic by adventure travel company Intrepid, National Travel Agent Day was conceived as a way of gaining support and recognition for the industry during a turbulent period of trading and restrictions.
Today, with the onset of the cost-of-living crisis and the continuing ‘travel chaos’ headlines, the day continues to mark the great service travel agents deliver to UK consumers as more and more people recognise the many benefits of booking with their local agent.
A recent impact survey* conducted by The Advantage Travel Partnership showed of the 94% of respondents who are seeing an increase in new customers, 30% reported these new customers fall into the 35–44-year-old age bracket, with 33% of new customers aged between 45-54 and 15% over 60.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “As the biggest Travel Agency partnership in the UK, today we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the travel agents across the UK who have had to manage their way through an incredibly tough few years.
“While the challenges continue, as an industry we face the future with optimism. Travel and holidays remain on the top of the priority list for many millions of Brits and there continues to be a huge post-pandemic, pent-up demand for travel, even though the market is currently hampered by the significant disruption we’re experiencing.
“Nonetheless, in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain, booking with a travel agent is still the best way to travel as they offer such extensive support and peace of mind, should the unexpected happen.”
Travel agents have played a key role on the UK’s high streets and local communities for many years, with Thomas Cook widely credited as being the first travel agent, back in 1841.
Today, they continue to provide a valuable service to consumers the world over and is a sector that constantly reinvents itself, with many agents now offering both a shop and online proposition to make it more convenient for consumers.
10 myth-busting reasons to book with a Travel Agent
Travel agents are true professionals who are trained in understanding the broad-ranging world of travel, from train travel to cruising, from package holidays to solo tours – there’s nothing they won’t explore for their clients.
Travel agents can navigate complex booking processes, so you don’t have to – from ensuring international flights connect, to planning detailed itineraries to far-flung destinations.
Travel agents can tailor packages to suit their customers, always planning what is right for each individual.
Travel agents can support customers with changes to bookings when the unexpected happens; they will go above and beyond to provide help in any circumstances – from in-destination travel restrictions to flight disruption.
Travel agents will always find you the best deal for your holiday. With access to many thousands of competitive offers across a wide range of holidays and travel products, travel agents have access to an overview of the entire travel ecosystem.
Travel agents have constantly evolved with the times, with most agents now having both a shop-based and online offering giving consumers the opportunity to book through the most convenient channel.
Booking with a travel agent is not more expensive. Travel agents have access to preferential rates that consumers won’t find online and with 700 branches, Advantage members have access to competitive pricing.
Independent travel agents have access to a wide range of tour operators meaning consumers will get a breadth of choice when it comes to choosing their holiday and can offer unbiased advice.
Travel Agents can provide all the information that you need, from visa information to vaccination advice, from weather in resort to places to visit whilst on holiday.
Travel agents are seeing an influx of new consumers across all age demographics benefiting from the peace of mind that comes with booking through a travel agent.
Modern travellers expect more than cheap transport and comfy hotels. Scottish based tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has launched ‘We Care About There’ in partnership with VisitScotland to fulfil holidaymakers’ demand for sustainable and responsible travel as well as memorable and ethical experiences.
Rabbie’s has partnered with VisitScotland to deliver two brand new tours. A two-day Whisky & Castles tour sees guests visit two green tourism gold award-winning distillers and discover the innovative sustainable production methods behind Scotland’s most famous product.
While the five-day Orkney & Scotland’s Northern Coast tour takes guests to meet the locals who have dedicated their lives caring for Scotland’s cultural heritage.
Rabbie’s has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering environmentally conscious tours. As well as providing award-winning small coach tours across the UK and Europe, over the last 14 years, Rabbie’s has mitigated its environmental impact through several positive initiatives.
These green programmes include a self-imposed carbon tax, which so far has raised over £120,000 for environmental and social projects chosen by staff. Additionally, Rabbie’s hosts staff volunteer days, and a encourages a “leave no trace policy” on every outing.
Rabbie’s new tours, especially featured as a part of their We Care About There campaign, include:
Cardhu is a Speyside distillery near Archiestown, Moray, Scotland. It was founded by the whisky smuggler John Cumming, and his wife Helen Cumming in 1824. The distillery’s Scotch whisky makes up an important part of the Johnnie Walker blended whisky
This two-day adventure is packed full of Scottish whiskies, castles and scenic views. The tour travels North towards Highland Perthshire, visiting typical highland towns and enjoying the beautiful peaks of the Cairngorms National Park.
The tour visits the historic Cardhu Distillery, and Scotland’s highest distillery at Dalwhinnie. As driving duties are handled by Rabbie’s Driver-Guide’s all are able to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce. Prices for this two-day tour begin at £115 per person, with tours departing throughout the summer from Edinburgh.
Escape to Scotland’s extreme Northern Coast and sail the Viking Waters of the Northern Sea to Orkney to discover Scotland’s fiercely protected island culture. The archipelago hides many treasures, but the expertise of your Driver-Guide, plus the warm welcome from the locals will help guests unlock the magic of Orkney’s prehistoric monuments and proud island communities.
Natural beauty awaits on this tour too, vibrant red sandstone coasts, and green pastures show why these islands have been revered and respected for centuries. Join Rabbie’s in celebrating this remarkable part of Scotland with prices starting at £379 per person. Tours are departing throughout the summer.
While touring, Rabbie’s promotes a “leave no trace” policy. Guests are encouraged to take away all litter, stick to marked pathways, and observe wildlife from a distance. Ultimately, leaving every natural spot untouched for future visitors to enjoy.
In some instances, sustainability means more than environmental protection, it means running tours in a way that is respectful and mindful of small local communities and economies.
Rabbie’s uses mini-coaches not only for the comfort of guests, but also so that the tours can visit villages and destinations off-of-the-beaten-track. This provides a unique and genuine touring experience while supporting the economy of small communities.
For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.
CarStore and Battersea announce partnership to empower dog-owning customers to find the right car for them
With many set to take their pooches away with them this summer, new research of 2,000 dog owners has revealed more than two thirds of drivers (68%)* aren’t aware of the current rules surrounding car travel with dogs.
To mark the launch of CarStore’s partnership with leading animal welfare charity, Battersea, a new study suggests that over half (52%) of us are happiest while out driving with our dogs – yappy days! What’s more, 42% proclaim to treasure them as part of the family, so it’s troubling to find that despite this, 2 in 5 drivers are unknowingly breaking the rules when out travelling with their dogs.
While 1 in 5 (20%) don’t have a designated zone for their pooch, only half (54%) keep their dog restrained while out travelling and just 5% are aware of the severity of the repercussions of driving without due care and attention can entail (up to £5,000 and nine points on your driving licence), it’s clear there is a lot of confusion surrounding the rules of the road when out driving with our four-legged friends.
As one of the first used car brands in the UK to partner with a national animal charity, CarStore is delivering on its commitment to flex to the needs of contemporary car-seekers via the partnership.
Battersea will be hosting training sessions for CarStore Personal Advisors, educating them on how to manage experience centre visits from dog-owning customers and create a more dog friendly environment.
Personal Advisors will also be informed about the legal requirements surrounding car travel with dogs, and the equipment available to meet these requirements. Alongside this training, CarStore and Battersea will co-create useful advice and content to help improve customer understanding of the rules and requirements for travelling with their furry friends.
Kim Costello, Chief Marketing Officer at CarStore, said: “We know there has been a huge surge in pet ownership over the past 12-18 months and as a result, a likely need for individuals and families to purchase a new car to accommodate their new furry friends.
“This new alliance between CarStore and Battersea aims to help as many of the nation’s dog owners as possible find the right car for them.
“Specially trained by Battersea experts, our Personal Advisors will be equipped to support dog-owning customers with the car-buying process. Whether they’re looking for a car to accommodate a large German Shepherd, or something smaller to seat a Cockapoo and a small carrier, our Personal Advisors will be on hand to support and help customers find their perfect car.”
The survey suggested that many do not believe their car is currently practical for travelling with a dog, with almost half (49%) wishing they could do more to dog proof it. However, 10% confirmed they do not know where to source correct and accurate guidance, with many admitting to checking social media (18%) or forums online (18%) rather than reputable sources.
Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with CarStore to further help dog owners travel safely and wisely with their pets.
“With the good weather returning, many families may be looking to travel with their dogs during their staycations and Battersea wants to ensure dog owners have the right knowledge before embarking on a car journey with their pets.
“When in the car with your dog, it’s important that they are comfortable in their environment to reduce stress and anxiety, so familiarising your pet with your vehicle before embarking on a long journey will help them get used to travelling.
“It’s also important to ensure they are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving or injure you, or themselves, if you need to stop suddenly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, pet crate or guard are all suitable ways to travel safely with your pet.”
CarStore offers customers a combined approach when it comes to buying, selling, and purchasing a used vehicle, blending digital and physical locations to give customers the flexibility and freedom to approach the process in a way that works best for their lifestyle. CarStore’s impartial Personal Advisors provide expert advice and empower customers to make informed decisions that are right for them.
Visit the website to find out more about the partnership and access the content hub:
HOW TO KEEP DOGS COOL WHEN TRAVELLING DURING THE NEXT HEATWAVE
Parts of the UK are set for a second heatwave in the coming weeks, with temperatures set to reach 28C
Dogs are at increased risk of developing heat-related illnesses and start to suffer in just a few minutes
Battersea and CarStore have shared the key watchouts and guidance for looking after your dog in these hot temperatures
With temperatures set to soar again next week, reaching 28C or higher in some areas, it’s important for pet owners to know exactly what to do to keep their dogs safe when travelling in these balmy temperatures.
Looking after beloved pooches is all about planning ahead and being prepared. The aim is to keep them healthy, happy, and hydrated, to reduce the risk of the dog suffering from heatstroke – a genuine threat on a hot summer’s day.
To help drivers stay on top of things whilst out travelling this summer,CarStore have joined forces with Battersea to share their top tips for dog-owning drivers:
KEEP THE CAR COOL
If possible, put the air conditioning on for a few minutes before you set off on your travels, to allow the car to cool down before your dog gets in. Once on the move, make sure you have the windows open for ventilation and use sunshades on the windows, so your dog isn’t in direct sunlight.
You should also make sure your dog has access to water during the journey. The amount of time it takes for a dog to overheat in a car is much shorter than many people think, especially if your dog is long-haired or has a short snout – in some cases, it could be minutes or less. Many of these dogs have difficulty breathing and these problems are exacerbated in hot weather, even from 20°C.
TAKE CARE ON HOT SURFACES
Lots of surfaces heat up in the sun, such as leather car seats or the tarmac in a car park, and this can be painful for your dog’s paws, causing injuries such as blisters. If in doubt, check for yourself using the palm of your hand. If it feels too hot for you, the chances are your dog will feel the same. Use a towel or dog bed in your car to ensure your dog is not sat directly on a hot seat whilst on the move.
PLAN STOPS ON YOUR JOURNEY
If you’re travelling for any kind of significant distance, make sure you take a route that has enough places to stop, so not only can the human passengers take a break, but your dog/s can stretch their legs, go to the toilet, rehydrate, and have a cooling treat too. We would recommend setting off earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler and there is less traffic, if possible.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE IN THE CAR
Cars can get very warm, very quickly, and this can be deadly for your dog. Even if your car is parked in the shade with the windows open, dogs can become distressed and uncomfortable, and develop heatstroke very quickly. Make sure you always have a plan so your dog isn’t left alone in the car or any other enclosed spaces. If you see a dog in a hot car, dial 999.
LOOK OUT FOR HEATSTROKE
When your dog gets too hot and can’t reduce their body temperature they are at risk of developing heatstroke, which can be fatal. The signs to look out for include:
Heavy panting
Glazed eyes
A rapid pulse
Excessive drooling
Lack of coordination, or confusion
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Loss of consciousness
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you need to act fast. Immediately take them to a cool, shaded area and ring your nearest vet clinic.
Once in the shade, lay them down on a towel soaked in cold water and let them drink small amounts of cool water. Never place them directly into ice cold water or give them too much to drink as they may go into shock. Try to keep cooling them down while you take them to the vets.
Wherever you’re heading, we wish you and your dog a summer full of safe and cool car journeys.
For more tips on how to keep your dog cool in summer, visit the CarStore site, or for pet advice, the Pet Advice section on the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home website is full of expert information.
Help reduce carbon emissions – one full double decker bus takes 70 cars off the road
Bus and coach operator, Stagecoach, is celebrating Scottish Bus Week (23 – 29 May) with a range of activities to encourage Scots to ditch their cars and try the bus.
The campaign, run by #LovemyBus, is an opportunity to celebrate bus and the role it can play as a solution to the environment, levelling up, and connecting communities. It is also a chance to show gratitude to those working to provide essential services now and during the pandemic.
The operator has a range of planned activities across the Scottish regions to raise awareness of the crucial role buses play in local communities.
The campaign encourages a shift from car to bus use, but also helps reduce emissions, where the average bus journey emits only half of the Co2 per kilometre than the average car journey.
Community celebrations will include pop-up events in Ayr and Kilmarnock bus stations and a flash mob on an open top bus at Ayr beach. Stagecoach and the Scottish Bus Week team will be handing out freebies, competitions and chatting with communities about the important role bus plays.
The #LovemyBus youth team will also be visiting local primary schools in East and South Ayrshire for some fun activities and games and classes will benefit from a tour of the latest Alexander Dennis electric buses.
In East Scotland, there will be a free shuttle bus from Dunfermline Bus Station (stance 13) to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum on Sunday 29 May for those who want to mark the occasion and see a selection of the best-preserved vintage buses in Scotland. Entry to the museum costs just £5 for adults, or £3 for children and concessions. Alternatively, a family ticket can be purchased for £12, which includes two adults and two children.
For those who want to join in on the celebrations online, the team at West Scotland are running a Bus Bingo competition every day a new bingo card will be posted on the companies Twitter account @StagecoachWScot, play along while you’re travelling to work or to school and share with friends.
Sam Greer, Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland said: “The #LovemyBus team do a brilliant job of raising awareness of the benefits of using the countries bus and coach networks, and helping towards a modal shift from cars to public transport.
“The teams across Scotland have planned lots of celebration and activities for our people, customers and communities to get involved and back the bus.
“There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions and by reducing car use and opting to use public transport, we can reduce our carbon footprint to help meet these targets.”
For more information about the activities in your area, visit:
Stagecoach officially opens new customer contact centre in Perth, offering improved customer service to communities across the UK
Demonstration of continued commitment to customers and communities served
New centre has created over 60 full-time roles
Improved seven-day a week service with extended opening hours
Marks key milestone in its customer transformation strategy
Stagecoach opened its new customer contact centre on Thursday, based at its headquarters in Perth.
Stagecoach UK Managing Director Carla Stockton-Jones officially launched the contact centre with local authorities and industry bodies.
Customers from right across the UK can now use the new one-stop phone and digital contact point. The new multi-skilled team of over 60 new customer service advisors and team leaders will operate an improved seven-day a week service and will move to fully extended opening hours on weekdays and weekends within the year to align better with how people travel.
Customers can still contact Stagecoach in the usual way via Twitter, Facebook or email and a dedicated advisor will be on hand to support their enquiry. In addition, from this week, customers can now call 0345 241 8000 and speak to someone in the new customer contact centre.
There will be one easy point of contact that customers can use to speak to a member of the Stagecoach team on any queries they have, including questions about timetables, feedback on services, help with smartcards and lost property.
Major investment is being made in a new customer relationship management system to help provide tailored support, better understand customers’ end-to-end journeys, and quickly address any emerging common issues.
Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director for Stagecoach, said: “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to providing the best possible service to customers in our drive to a cleaner, greener country and also marks another major milestone in our customer transformation strategy.
“I am proud of our team who have worked incredibly hard to introduce our new customer contact centre. This is an exciting and major step forward in our plans and from this week, our new customer service team will be serving our customers right across the UK.
“There is a huge opportunity to attract people to more sustainable public transport in the years ahead as national governments look to move to net zero. Delivering the best experience to every single customer is central to helping people make the switch away from cars to public transport.”
David Littlejohn, Head of Planning and Development & Chief Planning Officer for Perth and Kinross Council helped to officially launch the event and said: “Stagecoach’s history in Perth stretched back more than four decades and this is a tremendous vote of confidence in the city and its workforce.
“Sustainable transport is crucial in the fight against climate change and this new customer contact centre will make it easier for people to leave the car at home and travel in a more environmentally-friendly way.”
Loganair route to Bergen, norway returns from Edinburgh Airport
Last week saw the long-awaited return of direct flights from Edinburgh to Bergen and Stavanger, as Loganair revives the popular services, reconnecting Scots with Norway.
The two direct services from Edinburgh to Stavanger and Bergen have been relaunched for the first time since the pandemic, and they also mark the airline’s first international routes from Edinburgh Airport since 2019, and the first international route launches in the airlines 60th anniversary year.
The routes will see three flights per week reinstated to each destination. Flights to Stavanger take-off Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to Bergen take-off Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Additional flights from Aberdeen to Oslo Gardermoen will also commence in September to further strengthen connectivity between the countries.
Customers in Scotland that wish to venture further and explore Northern Norway will have the opportunity to connect easily via Loganair’s codeshare partnership with Norwegian regional airline, Widerøe. Flights to these destinations can also be booked at Loganair.co.uk.
Upon visiting Stavanger and Bergen, you will find much more than just breath-taking Fjords, but an unforgettable experience.
Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is an incredible hub for both culture and history, with a vibrant night life, juxtaposed with contemporary art museums, such as the KODE. Similarly, Stavanger is full of colourful homes on colourful streets, white sandy beaches, and is home to some of Norway’s top restaurants.
Not unlike Edinburgh, Bergen and Stavanger’s dynamic central and urban culture makes the perfect getaway.
Both routes are operated by an Embraer 145 jet, and fares to Bergen and Stavanger start at £99.86 including 15kg luggage allowance and a mandatory carbon offset charge as part of Loganair’s sustainable flying programme – GreenSkies.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are really excited to launch the recommencement of our international services between Edinburgh and the Norwegian cities of Bergen and Stavanger.
“As we start to see European travel strengthen as summer approaches, it is the ideal time to bring back two services that were, pre-pandemic, incredibly popular for both leisure and business travellers looking to enjoy all that Edinburgh, Bergen and Stavanger have to offer.”
Kate Sherry, Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Seeing these routes return to Edinburgh with Loganair is further evidence that things are really moving in the right direction as we continue our strong recovery.
“Welcoming back more routes between Edinburgh and Norway allows us to enhance connectivity for leisure and business passengers from both countries.
“For us it’s about offering passengers choice, and we’re excited to work with Loganair on helping people experience all Bergen and Stavanger have to offer.”
Stein Ove Rolland, CEO of Fjord Norway, said: “It is very positive that Loganair is relaunching its routes to the Fjord Norway region. After a demanding pandemic many are eager to get out and explore again, and the routes to Stavanger and Bergen will make experiences to the Norwegian fjords easily accessible for the Scottish people.”
Reservations for Loganair’s newly launched service between Stravanger and Edinburgh Airport can be made at www.loganair.co.uk, by calling Loganair’s Customer Contact Centre on 0344 800 2855 or via travel agents and travel management companies using all major global distribution systems.
Hand-crafted sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth from £699 per person
Balmoral in Olden, Norway
Travellers looking to get away in the months ahead can enjoy hand-crafted sailings from the north from just £699 per person, plus up to £200 on-board spending credit, as part of a Summer Sale unveiled by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
The Summer Sale covers cruises from May to September 2022, and offers savings of £150 per person on Norway and British Isles sailings, as well as £200 per person off European short breaks or Arctic and Scandinavian cruises.
In addition, these savings run alongside an on-board spending offer, with up to £200 per person credit available on selected cruises.
Balmoral in Alesund, Norway
Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “With travel getting easier, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a well-deserved break in the months ahead. The world really is opening up for summer, and we are so excited to be able to share it with our guests again.
“Whether you are looking to venture to the scenic Norwegian fjords in all their summertime splendour, immerse yourself in the history and culture of some fascinating towns and cities in Northern Europe or witness the breath-taking Midnight Sun, you can be sure that each cruise has been hand-crafted to show you the very best of the destination when you visit.”
Some of the highlights of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale from Newcastle and Rosyth are:
Balmoral’s nine-night L2215 ‘Arctic Fjords & Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 6th June 2022. Prices start from £1,249 per person (was from £1,399 per person). Enjoy £100 per person to spend on board, or £200 per person when booking a suite.
Balmoral’s five-night L2220A ‘Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19th July 2022. Prices start from £699 per person (was from £849 per person). Enjoy £50 per person to spend on board, or £100 per person when booking a suite.
Balmoral’s 10-night L2224A ‘Discovering Castles, Palaces and Cultural Landmarks of Northern Europe’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 19th August 2022. Prices start from £1,699 per person (was from £1,899 per person). Enjoy £150 per person to spend on board, or £300 per person when booking a suite.
Nationwide, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale features sailings from £399 per person, with up to £250 on-board spend, with regional departures available from Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle and Rosyth.
Olden, Norway
For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Summer Sale, go to
THE RMT union is preparing to ballot members over what could be the biggest rail strike in British history.
RMT senior assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey said it is preparing to ballot members over pay freezes and safety standards.
Eddie Dempseytold GB News: “This dispute’s been a long time in the making. We’ve been through the pandemic period where our members made lots of changes to their working practices and worked right through a pandemic to keep the country moving and many of our members have had pay freezes.
“Now some of them are in the third year of a pay freeze. We’ve changed how we work, we’ve made lots of sacrifices to help the railways going and we’ve been working with the industry in the rail industry recovery group, putting forward ideas on how to help the industry recover.
“But that’s turned into a forum where we’re told now the intention is to strip £2 billion out of the rail industry to make that money come out through stripping out jobs and attacking terms and conditions and keeping wages low.”
Mr Dempsey made his comments during On The Money with Liam Halligan on GB News yesterday. He said the cuts, which have been proposed because of fewer passenger numbers due to people working at home, threaten to put safety at risk.
He added: “We’ve put forward lots of ideas on how they can save money.
“We’ve told them many ways they could make efficiency savings, but they’re intent on making those efficiency savings in removing safety critical jobs, in slashing maintenance standards and safety schedules, and in keeping wages down and tearing up terms and conditions for railway workers.
Mr Dempsey said that money could be saved by cutting pay for executives. “We’ve pointed out that director pay is out of control with Network Rail
“Seven of the highest paid civil servants in the country are Network Rail employees.
“If you strip their money back, just to what the Prime Minister’s being paid, you’d save nearly £6 million a year.
“They’ve got eight non-executive directors, they spent nearly three quarters of a million pounds for those people to attend eight meetings over one year during a pandemic.”
