TRAVELLING IN SCOTLAND

Scotland is served by a good choice of direct air links from most UK cities, as well as an excellent service bringing the islands of the west and Scotland's outer islands within easy reach. The main airports are listed below and, to help you, we have included accommodation details if you require somewhere to stay on arrival.

Flight frequency is very good and services most needs, particularly from major airports to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen which often attract discount fares. OLS Travel Services will be happy to help you with any arrangements.

All airports have good onward connections from the cities and towns in Scotland, either by train, bus or airport taxis. Car hire can be arranged by some carriers before your arrival or through the information desks in the terminal building. Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports have full 'bureau de change' facilities.

Car parking is available at all airports, although some Highland airports and airstrips may have restricted parking. 24-hour secure parking is offered at both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

Aberdeen - Situated 7 miles north west of the city centre beside the heliports servicing the North Sea, Aberdeen has the busiest heliport in the world. Dyce Station on the Aberdeen - Inverness line is the nearest railway station. There is a coach service to the city centre every 30 minutes at peak times. It will cost between £7 - £9 by taxi for a journey to the city centre. There are bank services and car hire facilities within the airport.

Edinburgh - The airport is just 7 miles from the city centre and there is a coach service every 15 minutes taking passengers westward to the city centre. The taxi fares are between £10 - £12, and car hire facilities are available. There are bank facilities and the Scottish Tourist Board (STB) provides tourist information within the terminal building.

Glasgow - Only 8 miles from the city centre sitting on the west side of the city; there is a regular coach service to Paisley Gilmour Street station (2 miles away) with rail connections onward to the city centre and the west of Scotland. The taxi fare is between £9 - £11, and car hire facilities are available.

Should you wish to use a direct coach service to the city centre, this is offered every 30 minutes dropping off at the city centre rail and bus stations. There is also an hourly coach service to Edinburgh. There are bank facilities, car hire facilities and STB provides tourist information within the terminal building.

Inverness - Located east of Inverness, it is just 8 miles from the town centre. There are regular bus connections to Inverness which meet all scheduled services - except on Sundays. The train stations are at Inverness (8 miles) and Nairn (7 miles) and the taxi fare to Inverness will be between £7 - £9. Car hire is available at the terminal; it is best to book this in advance.

Island/Regional Airports - Air connections to the islands and regional airports are supported by an excellent network of links from the main airports. Many of the smaller islands have small airstrips for inter-island flights (Orkney and Shetland). Local companies provide car hire through these island and regional airports, and will arrange to have your car waiting for you at the airport. This can be arranged by your hotel. In some cases, the air carrier can arrange car hire for you as well as the local area Tourist Board.

Prestwick Airport - Passengers arriving at Prestwick International Airport can obtain air train vouchers for return rail travel from Prestwick Airport station to any station in Scotland for only £5.00. Tickets can be purchased at the air train desk in the arrivals hall and at the information desk in the main concourse.