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RBS invests £2m in sustainable tourism champion Highland Experience Tours
Scottish Highlands tour operator Highland Experience Tours has secured a £2 million funding boost from Lombard, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
Based on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the travel operator is using the funding to upgrade its existing fleet.
Founded nearly two decades ago and starting with just one vehicle, the company’s leadership team has since grown its fleet to nearly 30 luxury minibuses and small to large buses. Lombard’s support will enable Highland Experience to purchase five additional Grand Toro buses – a move that will result in the creation of more than 20 new jobs and a boost to the rural economies in which it works.
The travel provider is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and has been awarded the Gold Green Tourism Business Award in recognition of its work to protect the environment, prioritizing local suppliers where possible and providing eco-driving training to its bus operators.
Despite enjoying steady growth since 2005, the company faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and was forced to downsize its previous fleet in 2020. This new investment marks a renewed period of growth for the team, who are currently preparing for 2024 summer season as they prepare to welcome more customers on board.
Tour guide Steven with one of the new buses
Michael Bremmermanaging director of Highland Experience Tours, said: “Since we started Highland Experience Tours, we have been passionate about creating an authentic way to explore the hidden beauty of Scotland, which also gives back to the communities and landscapes in which we operate.
“Like many in our industry, Covid has been an extremely challenging time for us and we have had to pause our services with no real idea of when we would be able to restart. This obviously took its toll, but we remained determined to come back stronger than ever and managed to grow the business beyond pre-pandemic levels.
“Investing in this new fleet marks a new chapter for us and we are extremely grateful for the support of Royal Bank of Scotland and Lombard in helping us reach this milestone.”
Steven Gilliessenior relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland who facilitated the deal with Lombard, added: “Having worked with Highland Experience Tours since 2019, it has been a privilege to see the team recover from the pandemic and continue to grow their services and offering.
“Royal Bank of Scotland is committed to supporting businesses and Highland Experience Tours is a great example of a resilient company that is focused on looking to the future.
“Their unique approach to tourism is helping to promote Scotland’s rural landscapes to the world – bringing a significant economic boost to the communities within them – and we look forward to continuing our banking relationship in the years to come.”