regentlad
SMT in the Highlands
In the years before continental holidays became the norm the SMT bus company provided a huge selection of extended and day tours throughout Scotland and England. So popular did they become that up to 100 coaches were allocated during the peak summer season. Most departures left from Edinburgh or Glasgow but some day tours also left from provincial towns such as Bathgate and Musselburgh.
The extended tours attracted high patronage, in particular that to Strathpeffer and the North West Highlands, which gave two departures per week. Seen amongst the bracken and purple heather of Glen Affric is B466A, a 1953 AEC Regal Mk IV, with luxurious 38 seat Alexander coachwork. The Regal is working a 7-day tour which would cost the 'holidaymaker' £19.10s (£19.50p) at the time of this scene in 1959. This price which today sounds more than a bargain, was all inclusive - meals, excursions and hotels. SMT, by then Scottish Omnibuses, chose only the most experienced drivers to crew these tours, and in turn the drivers guarded the 'privilege' with considerable acumen, with younger drivers getting a chance only of day or afternoon tours. B466A - attached to New Street garage remained for some years afterwards on tour-work before being withdrawn in 1966.
SMT in the Highlands
In the years before continental holidays became the norm the SMT bus company provided a huge selection of extended and day tours throughout Scotland and England. So popular did they become that up to 100 coaches were allocated during the peak summer season. Most departures left from Edinburgh or Glasgow but some day tours also left from provincial towns such as Bathgate and Musselburgh.
The extended tours attracted high patronage, in particular that to Strathpeffer and the North West Highlands, which gave two departures per week. Seen amongst the bracken and purple heather of Glen Affric is B466A, a 1953 AEC Regal Mk IV, with luxurious 38 seat Alexander coachwork. The Regal is working a 7-day tour which would cost the 'holidaymaker' £19.10s (£19.50p) at the time of this scene in 1959. This price which today sounds more than a bargain, was all inclusive - meals, excursions and hotels. SMT, by then Scottish Omnibuses, chose only the most experienced drivers to crew these tours, and in turn the drivers guarded the 'privilege' with considerable acumen, with younger drivers getting a chance only of day or afternoon tours. B466A - attached to New Street garage remained for some years afterwards on tour-work before being withdrawn in 1966.