A pioneering hop-on/hop-off bus service will be launched today (Thursday 28 June) designed to showcase the area of Breadalbane as Scotland’s hidden tourist gem.

The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer pilot scheme will encourage visitors and locals alike to explore the rich culture, heritage and landscapes of central Scotland. The aim is to replicate the success of Ireland’s spectacular ‘Ring of Kerry’ tourist trail.

Tourists using the new service will be able to pass through some of Scotland’s major attractions such as the Scottish Crannog Centre, the Famous Grouse Experience and Auchingarrich Wildlife Park. The service will also benefit local residents and cater for those with bicycles.

The new scheme is the brainchild of the Breadalbane Tourism Co-operative (BTC) – a collection of businesses working together to promote the wider area. It is believed to be the first time that a tourism group has collaborated in this way to secure funding from two different councils.

The Breadalbane Group was originally formed by the Rural Team at Scottish Enterprise over four years ago as one of its 'Planning to Succeed' groups and continues to receive facilitation support.

The group has secured funding from Stirling and Perth & Kinross Councils, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scottish Enterprise, Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (Big Tree Country) and number of local businesses within the Explorer’s ‘Ring’. It will also breathe new life into rural communities by providing viable public transport and maximising the tourism offer of the area.

Ken Chew, chairman of Breadalbane Tourism Co-Operative, (BTC), said: “The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer is a pilot hop-on hop off timetabled bus service which will allow visitors and locals to experience all that is on offer in the wonderful Breadalbane area.

“We are very excited about this new initiative. As far as we know this is the first time a tourism group has collaborated in this way. We have successfully sourced funding from both the private and public sector and secured buy-in from two different councils in the area.”

Support for the scheme has come from Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) – a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise.

Sarah Deas, chief executive of Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), said: “Breadalbane Tourism Co-operative is an excellent example of what can be achieved by the consortium business model. It allows businesses in the area to come together and launch this exciting new route which will put Breadalbane on the map in every sense.

“It seems especially appropriate to be launching this exciting scheme in the UN-designated International Year of Co-operatives and we wish it every success. By setting up a consortium BTC has been able to secure funding and buy-in from two different councils as well as a range of businesses in the area.”

Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Perthshire South & Kinross-shire, said: “This new hop-on bus service is a really exciting development which will be an excellent addition to the wonderful facilities, scenery and attractions that the beautiful area of Breadalbane and Strathearn already has on offer and I personally am looking forward to using it as soon as possible.

“The business model on which this venture is based with the co-operative being owned by the businesses who will benefit from the service is one I welcome.

“I am sure that this route will prove very popular indeed with visitors and with locals as well and I wish the operators every success and look forward to the Ring of Breadalbane becoming established as not just a bus service but a tourist draw in its own right."

he service will run six times a day, four days per week from the 17^th of July through to the 16^th of September operated by Kingshouse Travel of Balquhidder. The complete circular route takes about three hours with fares to be priced at £9 per adult for all-day ticket or £15 for a two-day ticket.