We participated in a one-day bus tour from Edinburgh to the Highlands in October 2020. The driver told us that this tour was the first after a 3 month gap due to the pandemic situation. Sadly most of the company’s drivers had been made redundant and only 3 drivers were remaining from the original 34. Also, he said it was not certain that the company would continue business from November. 

During this tour we were of course all required to take anti-virus measures such as sitting in separated rows, wearing a face mask and needing to sterilize hands with gel before boarding the bus.

Highland area with beautiful mountains and lakes

We followed the bus driver’s commentary while watching the scenery of beautiful mountains and lakes pass by. That day the bus driver’s name was Scott, what other name could have been more appropriate for  driver with good guide.

Scott has extensive knowledge of the geography and history of Scotland which he combined with local folklore and many amusing anecdotes. His knowledge was gained as a history graduate from the university of Newcastle.

Also, Scott does not hesitate to tell  us a little about his private life and entains us all with a skillful rendition of a traditional Scottish folk song. The audience on the bus clapped in great appreciation. Actually driving is not his primary role. Usually the bus would be paired by two of the company personnel, guide and driver, used to professional guide was there but this formation has changed after COVID-19, all guides were redundant.

Loch Ness Boat Tour

There was a two-hour lunch break at Loch Ness with an optional boat tour (which cost an additional £15 per person). If this option is not taken then there is nothing special to do at the destination. We had travelled a very long way to the loch so the boat trip was the  highlight of the tour. All aboard.

On the boat the owner explained the depth of water as shown in the monitor.  This was measured by sonar, same as used by destroyer to find U-boats during World War 2.  The loch is very deep, over 180m and provides plenty of hiding space for the famous monster. This means you have to be extremely lucky to capture a photograph of Nessie on the surface.

The owner bought this new ship at the beginning of this year but as soon as Corona spread it was necessary to adopt new procedures. This meant only half of the seats could carry passengers and usually autumn is high season. Usually this season would see the boat full of tourists everyday but now Corona has led to tough times for the business. He said he never imagined such a caramity could happen.

Return to Edinburgh

On the way back to Edinburgh, it was misty and getting dark after 4 o’clock. The driver Scott talked about the autumn season in the Highland area, how it is a wonderful season to experience. He said for the tourists: “When Corona subsides, please come back again to here”

Scott mentioned that he has been married for two years and recently had a son. Also, he work as a manager in the company assigning drivers to each tour amongst many other duties.

The current situation for Highland Explorer is dire and it is not clear whether the company will survive after November 2020, this tour could be the last.

Scott asked tourists that “If you like this tour, please write a good review on TripAdvisor, Google, etc, as much as possible this would help us.”

After Tour

After return from the tour we wrote a review to travel site about Highland Explorer company and expressed our concern for the future of their company .

The young bus driver Scott has a new family to support and it’s unlucky to now have to endure the hardships of Corona. But life is fraught with and challenges for so many of us. May be it will help to get through difficulties in later life after  surmounting the situation  and  probably early stage ordeals give strength to get through life.