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Award-winning environmental Charity Trees for Life have recently planted 368 trees on behalf of Haggis Adventures as part of the work to restore the Caledonian forest in the Highland of Scotland.
The trees were mix of Scots Pines and Birch and the money came from donation to our groundbreaking Environmental Charity Offering Scheme (ECO Scheme). We are committed to sustainable tourism and to preserving Scotland’s natural wildlife, environment and unique cultures for future generations to enjoy. You can make an optional £2 donation to leading Scottish environmental charities The John Muir Trust (50%) and Trees For Life (50%). EVERY pound you donate will be matched by Haggis Adventures.
Trees for Life are an award-wining charity working to restore the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands of Scotland. The charity has funded the protection of a number of existing forest remnants and have so far planted over half a million trees. They planted over 100,000 native trees in 2007 as part of the United Nations Environment Programme’s ‘Billion Tree’ campaign for further details, see: www.treesforlife.org.uk
We have plenty of fuel!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Industrial action at Grangemouth Refinery is scheduled to commence on Sunday, April 27. With our own diesel fuel bunker at our Operations Centre in Edinburgh, filled just last week, we can assure you that we foresee no operational issues due to the current dispute.So, please go ahead and book your trip of a lifetime - our 'You Book, You Go' guaranteed departures promise is just as sound as it has been for 15 Years!
See the latest official statement from VisitScotland
VisitScotland's Statement - April 25, 2008
Grangemouth industrial dispute The Scottish Government has prepared contingency plans to deal with the potential effects of a two day strike at the Grangemouth oil refinery which is due to go ahead on Sunday.
The Scottish Government is confident that it has taken adequate steps to ensure that there are ample supplies of petrol and diesel available well into the month of May, based on normal consumer purchasing patterns.
Grangemouth owners Ineos have also insisted there will be no fuel shortages in Scotland, if people maintain their normal purchasing patterns.
Everything possible is being done to minimise the possibility of disruption. We would encourage visitors to continue with their existing travel plans. However, we would recommend that they consult with the following websites for the latest information:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/grangemouth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7360339.stm
http://www.ineos.com/new_pre.php
Background Information
Talks between INEOS, the Grangemouth management, and the union Unite have failed to resolve the dispute which involves around 1,200 employees. Strike action is due to be taken on Sunday and Monday.
Grangemouth is Scotland's only oil refinery and normally distributes fuel supplies throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England.
The Scottish Government is taking measures to secure fuel supplies if the dispute remains unresolved and are taking contingency measures to prepare for potential scenarios.
The Scottish Government is liaising with UK Government, INEOS, BP and key responders, and is monitoring the situation very closely. Ministers and officials are meeting as required to monitor developments and provide national overview / direction.
HAGGIS Launches Viking Fire Festival Trips
The UK’s leading tour company for independent travellers and backpackers Haggis Adventures has launched an exciting new tour to the amazing Up Helly Aa Viking Fire Festival in Shetland in January.
Shetland in the far north of Scotland hosts one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. For 24 hours, on the last Tuesday of January, the town of Lerwick goes more than a little mad.
"There will be no postponement for weather". That's a defiant boast by Shetland's biggest fire festival, considering it's held in mid-winter on the same latitude as southern Greenland. The weather has have never yet stopped them from burning their Viking galley - and then dancing the dawn away.
Up Helly Aa is a lot more than a sub-arctic bonfire and booze-up. It's a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit. 800 horny helmeted Vikings, a burning Norse galley, all night parties and even a chance of viewing the Northern Lights – simply amazing!
The trip costs £419 and includes return overnight Ferry (with shared cabin) from Aberdeen to Lerwick. 2 nights Accommodation in 5 star hostel in Lerwick& 2 evening meals & breakfasts. Earlybird prices now available - save £30!
Haggis Adventures Shortlisted for Top Tourism Award
Scotland’s leading youth travel company Haggis Adventures again has been short- listed for a prestigious VisitScotland Thistle Award (Customer Care), the Scottish tourism industry Oscars.
This is the 16th year of the Scottish Thistle Awards and they are now firmly established as the benchmark of excellence and innovation in Scottish tourism. Haggis’ position on the shortlist comes on top of last years’ remarkable success when Haggis won VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year at the National Business awards for Scotland.
In London Awards: WINNER Best European Tour Operator 2007
HAGGiS pick up the top European Tour Operator Award recognising extraodinary support and service to the Antipodean and South African communities and for running fantastic trips!
VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year 2006
Scotland’s leading youth travel company HAGGiS Adventures has been named as VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year (National Business Awards for Scotland) The judges of the VisitScotland Tourism Business of the Year Award are looking to recognise the company that has shown initiative and innovation in combining its commercial aims with meeting the needs of its customers.
Haggis’ being named as Tourism Business of the Year comes on top of last years’ remarkable success when Haggis won not one, but two Thistle Awards. In fact, they have also been shortlisted for another Thistle Award in the Customer Care category this year. Commenting on the award, Jason Clark, Marketing Manager for Haggis Adventures said: "We are delighted to have picked up such a prestigious tourism award. It’s a tremendous achievement for our team and demonstrates our commitment to customer care and to delivering world-class experiences for visitors to Scotland regardless of their budget. ’'
Haggis are delighted to have been shotlisted for this highly prestigious award. The judges are looking for the company that has shown initiative and innovation in combining its commercial needs with those of its customers. The winner will be the outstanding organisation that has best demonstrated exceptional financial returns, strong growth plus market leadership in the field of tourism, leisure or activities.
HAGGiS Adventures Scoops Tourism Awards
HAGGiS Adventures has picked up two prestigious Thistle Awards, Scottish Tourisms very own Oscars, at a Gala dinner in Edinburgh.
The company’s strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices has been rewarded by winning for the Tourism and the Environment category.
The judges were looking for evidence of how businesses raise awareness and understanding about the natural heritage with their staff and take a proactive approach in helping them impart their knowledge to the customer and meet the needs of their guests in relation to Scotland¹s natural heritage.
Their innovative Welcome to Scotland Initiative aimed at International students studying in Scotland has also claimed the top prize in the Off-Peak Success category. Not only were direct sales targets were exceeded and bookings through student travel agencies showed a significant increase on the previous year. HAGGiS also delivered additional off-peak business for key partners in the accommodation and attraction sectors throughout Scotland.
This is the 14th year of the Scottish Thistle Awards and they are now firmly established as the benchmark of excellence and innovation across Scottish tourism. VisitScotland Chairman Peter Lederer said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge exemplary tourism businesses, for their commitment towards setting high quality and standards for our industry as a whole.
Commenting on The awards, Jason Clark, Marketing Manager for HAGGiS Adventures said: "We are delighted with these prestigious awards. To have received two Thistle Awards is a tremendous achievement for the team and demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class experiences for visitors to Scotland.’’
HAGGiS Adventures Claims 5-Star Award
HAGGiS has received a 5-star award for our tours from Scotland’s national tourism body, VisitScotland.
HAGGiS Adventures are Scotland’s first and most popular tour company for independent travellers. Since it was established in 1993, the company has always had a passion for and commitment to quality, and this award confirms our position as a world-class tourism operator.
Commenting on the 5-star award, Willie Macleod, Director of Visitor Services and Quality at VisitScotland said: 'With this five star award HAGGiS Adventures joins the ranks of outstanding midi-coach tours available in Scotland. The youthful enthusiasm of the guides adds considerably to the experience and should appeal to old and young alike.'
Green Tourism Business Scheme
HAGGiS Adventures is the first ever midi-coach tour operator in Scotland to receive a Green Tourism Award under the VisitScotland approved Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).
The scheme designed to help businesses improve their environmental performance and protect one of Scotland's most important assets, its natural environment. To gain a Green Tourism Award, businesses are graded against over 120 measures of best practice, reflecting a balance of environmental, economic and social issues. These cover everything from good management and communication, to efficient lighting and heating, as well as things like nature conservation, training practices, use of local crafts and produce, renewable energy and community support and involvement.
Keep Edinburgh Clean Awards
HAGGiS Adventures has also been awarded Gold member status in Edinburgh Council’s innovative Keep Edinburgh Clean awards. HAGGiS joins only eight other businesses in the Capital to have achieved the top level of accreditation. The Keep Edinburgh Clean Awards recognise the efforts of businesses which go beyond the letter of the law to improve their local environment.