Tours firm takes on 15 more staff

HIGHLANDS and Islands tour operator Timberbush Tours has created 15 jobs after ploughing £1 million into its fleet of coaches.

The family-owned firm, which has seen its turnover double to £2.5m over the past three years, said the investment in seven vehicles takes its total number to 17, running up to 100 tours a week.

Gary Voy, who set up the company with his wife June 16 years ago, said it was poised to benefit from a number of high-profile events taking place in Scotland this year, including the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

He added: “This is such an exciting and historic year in Scotland and people want to be a part of it and learn more about the history of our country.”

Edinburgh-based Timberbush, which also operates out of Glasgow, carries more than 1,000 visitors a week on tours ranging from the Isle of Skye to Alnwick Castle, and organises travel for corporate events. In the wake of the recruitment drive, the firm now employs 45 people.