Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Traffic Scotland Operations and Infrastructure Service, are carrying out essential equipment repair works around the M90 north of the Queensferry Crossing in Fife on three nights this month.
This scheme will see slip road closures to allow for the repair and reinstatement of traffic detection loops, which allow for data to be captured on traffic volumes.
The work will be carried out using multiple closures of slip roads overnight from 2000 to 0600 to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public:
Tomorrow (Tuesday) – 14/12/12 – M90 Northbound J2a Halbeath Off Slip – diversion to J3 and return Southbound
Wednesday – 15/12/21 – A92 Southbound link to M90 J2a Halbeath – diversion to M90 J3 and return
Monday – 20/12/21 – M90 Southbound J2 exit link at A823(M) – diversion to J1 and return Northbound
Our operatives will follow strict physical distancing and hygiene protocols throughout the programme, in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidance.
Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.
Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting:
Communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have today been connected via rail for the first time in almost decades thanks to new services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE).
The train company has launched five services per day (Monday to Saturday) in both directions, calling at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington.
The introduction of the new services means that for the first time in decades, communities in Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick and Dunbar now have a rail link, providing new journey opportunities for residents between towns in the regions and into Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that, as of today, communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland are connected once again, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers onboard.
“Working with Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership we’re delighted that these additional services will now significantly improve connectivity on this route, providing communities with enhanced access to work, education and leisure opportunities.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are vital in connecting communities and empowering our towns and cities to flourish, which is why we have announced our historic £96bn Integrated Rail Plan to help level up the North and Midlands.
“It’s fantastic that Transport Scotland and the Rail North Partnership have come together with TransPennine Express to launch these new services, which will bring people together, drive growth, and provide an important link between two of the UK’s greatest cities.”
Transport Minister Graeme Deysaid: “This is very good news for the local communities along the route and a great example of collaborative working.
“Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee,said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new TransPennine Express service which will help to improve connectivity for local people – particularly for communities in Northumberland.
“Better access to employment, education and leisure is a key objective of our regional Transport Plan, so I’m delighted to see this additional service begin.”
The new services will be operated by TPE’s modern, five carriage Nova 1 trains featuring spacious interiors, plenty of leg room, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to onboard entertainment system, Exstream.
Customers can travel with confidence onboard TPE’s services with enhanced cleaning in place to keep everyone safe. Face coverings must be worn on trains and at stations (unless exempt).
For those looking to travel, tickets can be purchased online via our website or using the TPExpress App where people can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.
E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.
Nigeria to be added to the travel red list from 4am Monday 6 December following 21 cases of Omicron reported in England which are linked to travel from this country, with 134 UK cases now reported in total
In light of emerging evidence on the Omicron variant, from 4am on Tuesday 7 December anyone aged 12 and above wishing to travel to the UK will need to show a negative pre-departure test (LFD or PCR) as close as possible to departure and not more than 48 hours before to slow the importation of the new variant
Government working at pace to expand Managed Quarantine Service capacity, but passengers are advised that hotel bookings may be limited as new hotels are onboarded
These are temporary measures that have been introduced to prevent further Omicron cases from entering the UK, and will be examined at the three-week review point on 20 December
From 4am tomorrow – Monday 6 December – UK and Irish citizens and residents arriving from Nigeria must isolate in a government-approved managed quarantine facility for 10 days, and receive two negative PCR tests, as further precautionary action is taken against the Omicron variant.
Currently, the vast majority of cases in the UK have clear links to overseas travel from South Africa and Nigeria, and over the past week, 21 Omicron cases reported in England originate from Nigeria.
A temporary travel ban will therefore be introduced for all non-UK and non-Irish citizens and residents who have been in Nigeria in the last 10 days, meaning they will be refused entry into the UK. This does not apply to those who have stayed airside and only transited through Nigeria while changing flights.
Last weekend, 10 countries were added to the red list and it was announced that all vaccinated passengers arriving in the UK must take a day two PCR tests and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Since then, the geographical spread of Omicron has increased considerably, with 37 countries around the world now reporting Omicron cases and over 134 cases identified in the UK.
New analysis conducted by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the window between infection and infectiousness may be shorter for the Omicron variant, which increases the efficacy of pre-departure testing as it is more likely to identify positive cases before travel.
In light of this emerging evidence and the changing global picture with regards to the spread of Omicron, from 4am on Tuesday, anyone wishing to travel to the UK from countries and territories not on the red list must also show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow (LFD) pre-departure test, taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. This applies to vaccinated passengers and children aged 12 and above.
Airlines will be required to check for pre-departure tests alongside a completed passenger locator form, and passengers will not be allowed to board a flight without providing evidence of a negative test result.
Given the reduced incubation period of the Omicron variant, passengers are advised to take the pre-departure test as close as possible to their scheduled departure to the UK and no earlier than 48 hours before travelling.
These additional measures are vital to delaying the import of additional cases and slow the rise in cases within the UK.
However, as the Prime Minister set out on 27 November, all temporary measures will be reviewed after three weeks to ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate, and this will take place on 20 December.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said: “We knew this winter would be challenging but the arrival of a new variant means we must further strengthen our defences.
“As our world-leading scientists continue to understand more about the Omicron variant we are taking decisive action to protect public health and the progress of our COVID-19 vaccination programme.
“I urge everyone to do their bit to slow the spread by following the new travel rules, wearing masks where mandatory and most importantly getting the booster jab when called.”
Anyone arriving from Nigeria before 4am Monday [6 December] will be advised and strongly encouraged to isolate at home, and their household should also self-isolate for 10 days starting with their arrival in England.
Affected individuals will be contacted and offered free PCR tests to be taken on day 8 after their arrival.
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Following developments in the past week, the science shows that we must be cautious in guarding against this new variant and so, while we appreciate this will be difficult for the travel sector, it’s important we prioritise public health.
“As we learn more about the Omicron variant, we will review these temporary measures to ensure they continue to be proportionate and necessary to protect public health.”
Analysis by the UKHSA suggests there is strong indication of Omicron presence in Nigeria, and several cases identified in the UK are linked to travel from Nigeria. The country also has very strong travel links with South Africa, for example Nigeria is the second most popular flight destination from Johannesburg.
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world, and government is working collaboratively with the WHO and countries around the world to better understand the new variant and possible mitigations.
Travellers should not attempt to travel to the UK from a red list country without a Managed Quarantine Service (MQS) booking, as they will not be able to board a flight and could be subject to a fixed penalty notice at the UK border.
The government’s advice is to keep checking the CTM website as there are significant number of cancellations happening which will free up rooms.
The MQS has contracted several new hotels to enter service this week, in response to the likely numbers of UK residents who will want to travel from Nigeria before Christmas.
British nationals in Nigeria should check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and follow local guidance. The FCDO will continue to offer tailored consular assistance to British nationals in country in need of support overseas on a 24/7.
The UK government is clear it will take further ‘decisive action’ if necessary to contain the virus and new variant.
The change, informed by a UK Health Security Agency risk assessment, will also take effect in Scotland.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is essential we take steps now to keep people safe, protect the roll out of the booster programme and reduce the chances of unsustainable pressure being placed on the NHS over the winter.
“We have always said it may be necessary to quickly implement fresh measures to protect public health in Scotland, particularly with regards to international travel, and these restrictions are proportionate and necessary to that aim.
“We fully understand the impact the changes will have on staff and businesses in the travel and aviation sectors, particularly as the new variant came at a time when we were beginning to see some signs of recovery. We will not keep the restrictions in place any longer than is necessary.”
Countries currently on the red list are: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namiba, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Pre-departure tests are currently required for red list arrivals and unvaccinated travellers from all countries of origin. This change extends the pre-departure test requirement to vaccinated travellers and requires all pre-departure tests to be no later than two days before departure.
Virgin Red will match points earned on train travel and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Virgin Red will match all Virgin Points earned with Virgin Trains Ticketing in December and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Hundreds of thousands of Virgin Points are expected to be earned by Virgin Red’s members as the nation reconnects with loved ones this Christmas
Virgin Red members receive three points for every £1 spent on train travel with Virgin Trains Ticketing – meaning they can reward themselves with a Christmas treat too.
As the nation prepares to reunite with family and friends this December after last year’s festivities were cancelled, Virgin Red predicts a bumper month of train travel this December.
Members of Virgin Red, Virgin’s rewards programme, can earn up to three Virgin Points for every £1 spent on train tickets with Virgin Trains Ticketing – and this December, Virgin Red will match all points earned on train tickets and gift them to its 13 partner charities as a cash donation. With Virgin Trains Ticketing, travellers won’t see any booking fees on e-tickets either.
With UK train journeys costing between 5.5p to 34p a mile* Virgin Red is giving travellers an extra reward for heading home and reconnecting with friends and family by delivering much-needed support for charities across the country, many of whom have seen donations dip post pandemic.
Andrea Burchett, International and Strategic Development Director, says: “Travelling by train this Christmas really is rewarding with Virgin Red – not only will members receive points which they could use for a little Christmas treat for themselves, they’re also helping those less fortunate as Virgin Red matches and donates the Virgin Points earned from train tickets to its 13 charity partners.
“If it wasn’t enough reason to reconnect with our friends and family, earning points for every ticket bought and seeing those points matched and donated to charity, really means there has never been a better time to travel by train. And remember, with Virgin Trains Ticketing, there are no booking fees!”
Virgin Red rewards come in all shapes and sizes, from the small things that make the everyday better, to awesome extraordinary experiences, and it’s super easy to earn points, too with members earning Virgin Points just for doing their shopping online via Virgin Red.
It’s also really easy to boost your Virgin Points balance to enjoy rewards with Virgin Trains Ticketing. For example, as of 30 November 2021:
An off-peak return from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly over a weekend (£94.50) will accrue 284 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from London Victoria to Brighton over a weekend (£39.60) will secure 119 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley over a weekend (£86.90) will collect 261 Virgin Points.
Peter Vardy, has become the first Scottish automotive dealership group to enter a partnership with electric vehicle specialist, Zoom EV, to provide customers with a bundle of services and benefits that simplifies their switch to electric vehicles (EV).
Peter Vardy Group, established in 2006, is a family-run business with 15 dealerships at sites across Scotland, which include 8 dedicated used car supermarkets trading under the Peter Vardy CARZ brand.
Customers who buy a plug-in hybrid or fully electric car from a CARZ store, will gain access to a suite of discounts as part of Peter Vardy’s EV Benefits Bundle, as well as support from Zoom EV’s expert team.
Benefits include discounted access to industry leading public charging networks, smart home charging units, EV home energy tariffs and accident management services.
Ed Carpenter, Director of Electric Vehicles at Peter Vardysaid: “We are delighted to partner with Zoom EV to further progress our ambition of becoming Scotland’s go-to dealer group for purchasing new and pre-owned electric vehicles.
“We understand that transitioning from a conventional car to an EV can be a daunting experience for some motorists and our teams are often faced with questions around charging an electric car.
“With Zoom EV’s support, the Peter Vardy EV Benefits Bundle will mitigate these concerns, providing our customers with bespoke services to make their EV ownership experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
“As the climate crisis continues to become more apparent, we are proud to be encouraging EV use in the UK and excited to be on this electric journey with Zoom EV.”
Greg Fairbotham, CEO at Zoom EV, said: “We know from our work in the auto-dealer sector that supporting the transition process is critical in customers’ decisions to go electric.
“We are committed to making the switch as easy as possible by ensuring easy access to the essential services needed to own an electric vehicle, whilst also saving customers money. Our concierge-style service gives customers reassurance and a helping hand as they transition to electric.
“Peter Vardy is proactively driving the adoption of electric vehicles across Scotland, and the EV Benefits Bundle is a fantastic way to encourage drivers to make the decision to go electric. We are excited to be working with them.”
For more information contact Peter Vardy Group on 0333 456 0505 or Zoom EV at membersupport@zoom-ev.com.
Commuters urged to consider pressure on motorways and railways
As Scotland prepares to host the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the demand on the transport network is expected to be unprecedented.
While many people across the country have already heeded warnings in the run up to the event, the impact on the motorway network and railways should not be underestimated.
With major road closures in place, further factors that will impact getting in and around the central belt include various protest activities – planned and unplanned – as well as non-COP26 related events such as bad weather, Halloween and major sporting fixtures.
Members of the public are therefore being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel especially during the first few days of the conference.
Nicola Blaney, head of events resilience for Transport Scotland, said: “There will be severe disruption on transport networks and we therefore urge people to consider their travel plans very carefully.
“Across the network, we know certain dates are due to be much busier than others especially November 1, 2, 5 and 6. This weekend is also likely to be very heavily congested, and we need people to help us to avoid gridlock and crucially, leave space for key workers and emergency services to make essential journeys.
“We’ve been encouraging people to work from home as a way of reducing the risk of Covid – which would also help ease pressure on the transport network during the conference’s peak.”
Road closures are already in place for public safety with Glasgow’s Clydeside Expressway now fully closed till November 14.
The M8 will be subject to lane restrictions and road closures from 8pm on October 30 until 6am on November 15. The Tradeston M8 On-slip at West Street will be closed with no access to North Street/Charing Cross.
A signed diversion route will be in place from West Street to North Street, via Kingston Street, George V Bridge and the Broomielaw. Access to Bothwell Street from the M8 Eastbound at Junction 18 will remain open.
The public is advised to visit the Get Ready Glasgow website:
which provides all the travel details and will be regularly updated with all the latest information for commuters and businesses as well as details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained.
Further road restrictions which will come into effect next week include road closures from Monday November 1 around Argyle Street – one of the main diversion routes – because of a COP26 event. This will increase congestion and put additional strain on the road network.
Friday November 5 and Saturday November 6 are also expected to be extremely busy, due to planned climate change related marches going from Kelvingrove Park into the city centre and Glasgow Green.
Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins, said: “Our aim is to deliver a safe and secure event, whilst keeping the city, and indeed the country, operational and moving.”
The final seven countries have been removed from the international travel red list, meaning travellers to the UK from those destinations will no longer have to stay in hotel quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
The decision was made on a four nation basis and will take effect at 04:00 on 1 November. It affects arrivals from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
In addition vaccine certificates from a further 35 countries and territories will be recognised to allow quarantine-free travel to Scotland. Going forward this list will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Despite no countries remaining on the red list from 1 November, the policy is continuing and some managed quarantine capacity will stay in place in Scotland in order to react to any change in risk assessment that would see a country added to the red list.
Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “Today’s decision is a further sign of the success of the Scottish Government’s vaccination programme and will enable the travel and tourism sector to take another step back towards normal operations.
“However, the pandemic is not over. The situation will be closely monitored and regularly reviewed and If the situation demands it we will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions on international travel to safeguard the health of our citizens and protect Scotland’s recovery.”
UK Transport Grant Shapps said: “We have been able to do this now because the variants of concern that we have been tracking are no longer of concern to the chief medical officers.”
Edinburgh’s travelling public have been urged to plan ahead during the COP26 conference, as part of a new communications campaign launched today by the City of Edinburgh Council and its partners.
The Council has joined with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, with support from Police Scotland and local transport providers, to share the ‘plan ahead and stay informed’ message, as the major event approaches.
Around 140 world leaders and 25,000 delegates are expected to gather in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November to agree next steps in tackling the climate crisis. As a result, roads and public transport services across the central belt, including in Edinburgh, are anticipated to be busier than usual and journeys are likely to take longer during this time.
From today, and throughout the coming weeks, messages will be shared through the media, social media and digital and on-street advertising suggesting people plan any travel ahead to minimise disruption, avoid peak times and work from home if possible.
The Council has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce to create a new dedicated website, highlighting the latest travel information and to provide support and advice for local businesses. It also highlights some of the fantastic work going on around Edinburgh helping to achieve its 2030 net zero target.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “COP26 is a major event for Scotland and we’ve been gearing up to support it for many months, along with partners like the Scottish and UK Governments, Police Scotland and transport providers.
“While most of the events will take place in the host city of Glasgow, it’s going be extremely busy in Edinburgh. A huge number of people will be staying in the Capital and our own programme of events means Edinburgh will share some of the hosting responsibilities.
“That’s why, today, we’re launching a campaign urging people to take stock if they’re planning to travel during the two-week conference, whether it’s between Edinburgh and Glasgow or here in the Capital. We know there’s going to be more traffic on the roads so please plan any journeys ahead, avoid peak times and work from home if you can.
“It’s also an opportunity to think about how we get from A to B in our compact, walkable city. As leaders from around the world prepare to tackle the urgent issue of climate change, we’re encouraging everyone to think about how they can lower their own carbon footprints where possible to embrace the spirit of COP, considering swapping car trips for walking, wheeling, cycling or taking our outstanding public transport.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We want to make sure the city keeps moving and remains open for business throughout COP26. Officers from public safety, traffic information and resilience teams, amongst others, have been hard at work planning, in collaboration with partners, to make sure this will be the case.
“As part of the campaign we’re also encouraging the public to consider their travel choices and the impact these have on the world around us. With road traffic accounting for almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the city, swapping the car for a journey by foot, wheel, bike or public transport both supports our net zero goals and can avoid disruption during this busy period.”
Nicola Blaney, Head of Events Resilience for Transport Scotland, added: “While the main event is in Glasgow, the demand on our public transport and wider network is expected to be unprecedented and will have a severe knock-on impact on journey times in surrounding areas, stretching across the central belt and possibly beyond.
“There are also a number of additional factors from protest activity, planned and unplanned, as well as non-COP26-related activities such as major sporting events and marches.
“I would urge people to plan ahead and consider whether any journeys they make are necessary. Certain days are going to be much busier than others – the 1, 2, 5 and 6 of November in particular – so consider your travel needs. Work remotely if you can or make alternative arrangements. Avoid peak hours if possible, and retime and reroute if you want to avoid congested areas.”
The new dedicated web pages will include the most up-to-date travel information while the @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads seven days a week, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter. We’ll also be liaising with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams to keep people informed about their services.
A second strand of the campaign will focus on Edinburgh’s own sustainability targets, and the part individuals, businesses and organisations across the city can play. This will showcase some of the ground-breaking innovations underway to deliver a climate-ready, resilient city, and highlight the change that is needed to achieve our net zero by 2030 goal.
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, Police Scotland, said: “A considerable part of our planning for COP26 has been to ensure that there is minimal disruption to communities of Scotland as a result of the policing operation.
“However, some disruption is inevitable with an event of this significance and the increased number of visitors to Edinburgh and Glasgow, in particular. The road network across the central belt will be busier than normal and people should allow extra time for their journeys.”
A spokesperson from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “With the projected increases in traffic and journeys, and with potential disruptions because this global and essential event is taking place in Scotland, it makes perfect sense for us all to plan our journeys carefully and – wherever possible – use an alternative to the car.
“It helps the environment and it may well get you to your destination faster.”
“we have reluctantly concluded that, for practical reasons, alignment with the UK is the best option” – Michael Matheson
Testing for inbound international travel is to be eased and will align with the UK following consideration of the logistical, health and economic implications, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson confirmed yesterday.
Pre-departure tests for fully vaccinated travellers will be removed. Travellers from non-red list countries who have been fully vaccinated in a country that meets recognised standards of certifications will no longer be required to provide evidence of a negative test result before they can travel to Scotland.
For practical purposes, Scotland will also align with the UK post-arrival testing regime. Details for the UK are still being finalised and we will continue to engage with the UK Government ahead of confirmation as soon as possible.
Separately, in consultation with Public Health Scotland, the Scottish Government will consider how additional safeguards and surveillance of inward travel can be implemented to guard against the importation of new variants. This will be at no cost to travellers. Details will be set out in due course.
Last week, the Scottish Government announced how restrictions put in place to protect public health have been substantially revised to make travel simpler, with green and amber classifications merged while the red list is retained for those countries deemed to have high COVID19 case rates or variants of concern.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “We have concerns that the UK Government’s proposals to remove the requirement for a pre-departure test for some travellers could weaken our ability to protect the public health of Scotland’s communities.
“However, we also recognise that not having UK wide alignment causes significant practical problems and creates disadvantages for Scottish businesses. Also, if non alignment led to travellers to Scotland choosing to route through airports elsewhere in the UK, the public health benefits of testing would be undermined in any event.
“We have urgently considered all these implications, weighing any possible impact on the public health and the logistical realities.
“After liaising at length with stakeholders from the aviation sector to understand the impact of adopting a different approach in Scotland, we have reluctantly concluded that, for practical reasons, alignment with the UK is the best option.
“The new proposals make clear pre-departure tests will no longer be a requirement. We also intend to align with the UK post-arrival testing regime. The detail of that is still being developed with lateral flow tests being considered and we will engage further with the UK Government on those plans. Details will be announced at the same time as the UK.
“Lastly, the importance of guarding against new variants entering the country can’t be ignored. We will therefore be considering, with Public Health Scotland, the implementation of additional public health surveillance around international travel. We would intend this to be at no cost to travellers.”
The traffic light system of checks for international travel put in place to protect the public health comes to an end on 4 October.
As we leave summer behind and enter the autumn months, the UK will change before our eyes. Its most recognisable landscapes will soon be draped in golden leaves, famous peaks will be topped with snow, and mysterious mist will embrace our treasured landmarks.
Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) is offering tours throughout our transformed nation, on which we’ll fall in love with the UK all over again.
The award-winning small-group tour operator has departures across the UK throughout the autumn months, and with its guaranteed departure policy – those who book are certain to travel (and have a great time). Every adventure promises new experiences, gorgeous views, local stories from an insightful driver-guide and an unforgettable exploration.
Discover natural beauty in the borders: The land that separates Scotland and England has seen conflict in its time, visits to the magnificent Alnwick Castle and the ruins of Kelso Abbey will tell you as much. But in this landscape, natural beauty still reigns supreme. The River Tweed weaves gracefully through the region and an evening drive along the Northumberland coastline will show sandy beaches painted in glorious dusk shades. For some, nothing is cosier than a well-stocked bookshop. This tour stops at one of the largest and most impressive second-hand book shops in Britain, the perfect opportunity to stock up on some autumn reading! Prices for this one-day tour of Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast & the Borders start at £47.
Holiday like the Romans in Bath: The city’s bath complex must have been the perfect destination for Roman settlers seeking refuge from Britain’s unpredictable autumnal weather. Today it is a must-visit attraction for those wishing to peek back in time. Travellers to this gorgeous city can also admire its splendid architecture and medieval cathedral. Be sure to take shelter from autumnal winds in one of the splendid emporiums or designer boutiques. One of the many Rabbie’s tours that incorporate Bath is the Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast tour. Few sights are more magical that seeing Stonehenge, the ancient world wonder, on a crisp and misty autumn morning. This 3-day tour departs from London and starts at £169.
Experience the snow-capped peaks of Northern Scotland: Northern Scotland boasts a wild landscape and nothing complements this more than a sprinkling of snow atop the peaks. Skye’s Cuillin Mountains look more epic, Glencoe’s curves look larger than life, and the landscapes of the North Coast 500 look even more striking at this time of year. The days may be a little shorter, but if you’re an avid photographer, the gentle light will ensure some majestic shots. Take a North Coast 500 3-day tour with Rabbie’s, departing from Inverness from £159.
Rabbie’s operates sustainability-focused, eco domestic travel options, ensuring that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’.
Rabbie’s tours provide worry-free journeys so guests can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns.
