Where will the spirit take you?

19th March 2016

From Wigtown to Wick, Dundee to Dornoch, or Stranraer to Stornoway, visitors can now embark on a round-trip of Scotland with just one ticket.

The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass, launched by VisitScotland in partnership with ScotRail and CalMac will allow people to travel the length and breadth of the country by land, sea and track for one fixed price.

As well as ensuring passengers do not have to book individual tickets for every journey they want to make, the pass is also designed to save money with a round-trip of Scotland costing as much as a quarter (27%) less than booking the tickets separately.

*VisitScotland hopes the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass will encourage both visitors and residents alike to take the opportunity to discover new regions, towns, villages, landscapes, communities and islands across the country - literally going wherever the spirit takes them.

Two types of passes are available - 4 days unlimited travel over 8 consecutive days or 8 days unlimited travel over 15 consecutive days - and travellers can design their trip as they go.

The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass includes:

RAIL

-Unlimited train travel in Scotland with ScotRail, Virgin, Cross Country, East Coast and First TransPennine Express (some peak time restrictions apply)

-10% discount on standard fares with the Strathspey Steam Railway

-10% off Keith and Dufftown Railway standard fares

-£1 off Boness and; Kinneil Railway

FERRY

-Free travel on all Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries in Scotland

-Free travel on Gourock - Dunoon ferry operated by Argyll Ferries

-20% off Northlink Ferries journeys on selected routes

-20% off Sweeney's Loch Lomond cruises

-15% off Cruise Loch Lomond

-10% off Jacobite Loch Ness cruises

COACH

-Unlimited travel on selected routes with Scottish Citylink and WestCoast Motors

-Unlimited travel on selected routes with Stagecoach East Scotland and Stagecoach North Scotland

-Unlimited travel on selected routes with First Scotland East

The launch of the pass will be backed by a £150K marketing campaign supported by VisitScotland, ScotRail and CalMac with radio, digital and print activity planned across the UK. There will also be the opportunity for consumers to win a Travelpass in a special prize draw.

The launch of the travelpass is part of the VisitScotlands new Spirit of Scotland campaign. Launched in February 2016, the global campaign is built on extensive research which shows that people think Scotland has a unique spirit - whether its the magic of the landscapes or the warmth of the people. Everyone who has shared their #ScotSpirit will become part of a special social movement.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said:The Spirit of Scotland pass acts like a special key, unlocking amazing and breathtaking parts of the country to those who visit and live here. Rather than having to think in advance where you might want to go or what you might want to see, you can decide on a whim and end up wherever the wind, or indeed spirit takes you!

Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy – supporting communities and creating jobs in every corner of the country. We hope people will be encouraged to make the most of the travelpass, using public transport – ferry, train, coach and even steam - to journey across our rural and urban landscapes, experiencing excellent accommodation, attractions and restaurants along the way.

Cathy Craig, Commercial Director at ScotRail said:‘The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass is the easiest way to travel across Scotland with combined rail, ferry and coach travel as well as a host of other fantastic travel discounts. With travel options covering the whole country, customers have the flexibility to decide where and when they want to travel, enabling them to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views Scotland has to offer.

Jocelyn McConnachie, Commercial Director of CalMac, said:There is no doubt that spirited adventures across the whole of Scotland are made simpler and more convenient by this pass. As a provider of lifeline services, CalMac is acutely aware of well-connected travel being a major benefit and the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass brings welcome flexibility and offers great value to those planning to journey throughout Scotland - this is a good example of the transport industry working together and we are proud to be part of it.

"With breathtaking scenery, bustling communities, vibrant cultural activities, delicious food and drink, and exceptional attractions across CalMacs network and generally across the whole of our beautiful country, there's a staggering amount to choose from.

The Spirit of Scotland Travelpass is available online at www.scotrail.co.uk/spirit by phone on 0344 811 0141 or in person at any manned rail ticket office Two passes are available:

-Four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days: £134.00

-Eight days unlimited travel over 15 consecutive days: £179.70

For terms and conditions, visit www.scotrail.co.uk/spirit

To find our more about the Spirit of Scotland campaign and how you can get involved visit: www.visitscotland.com/scotspirit Join the conversation with #ScotSpirit

*Based on UK consumers planning their holiday around 3 months in advance. Round trip around Scotland by train, ferry, bus – would cost approx. £186.20: (Anytime Single rail tickets, except where indicated)

Edinburgh – Glasgow: Train - £12.90
Glasgow – Fort William: Train - £29.20
Fort William – Mallaig: Train - £12.20
Mallaig – Skye: Ferry - £5.60
Skye – Inverness: bus - £25.00
Inverness – Thurso: train - £20.00
Thurso – Aberdeen: train - £48.80
Aberdeen – Edinburgh: train - £33.00

PHOTO
View at Kylesku, Sutherland
Photographer Bill Fernie