As one of Britain’s longest established independent tour operators, we are delighted to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary. Best of Scotland Holidays started in 1983 by the Dewar family, and we have been providing expertise in planning leisure and golfing packages in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales from their base in Fife ever since.
The past four decades have not been without their challenges; nine prime ministers, three UK recessions and a global pandemic later, are still thriving and pushing forward. From our infancy with a small team of part-time staff, we have expanded into a globally respected DMC with a dedicated team of travel specialists.
To mark this milestone anniversary, we have commissioned a unique tartan commemorating our 40-year achievement. The tartan incorporates the navy, green and white corporate colours to create an elegant nod to our Scottish roots on our Ruby Anniversary. The title of the tartan will be ‘Best of Scotland Holidays’ with the accompanying description reading, Best of Scotland Holidays is one of Britain’s longest established independent tour operators.
None of this would be possible without the efforts of our dedicated team. Over the years we have had some brilliant experiences when sampling our packages ensuring that our getaways are filled with exciting experiences to suit anyone. Here’s a bit more about our hardworking team and their favourite experiences.
Meet Our Team: Lesley
What is your role at BOSH?
It’s changed a lot over the years, it started as purely admin but quickly developed to include writing bespoke sightseeing itineraries, and then onto preparing quotations for customised tours, a bit of everything really.
How long have you been with BOSH?
Coming up for 20 years.
What does a typical working day look like?
I like to get an early start, one of those annoying “up with the larks” folk. Coffee made and then get stuck in; prioritising is important because there are so many deadlines and little details to keep track of. The morning can be taken up with emails that came in through the night, and things can get really busy once the USA wakes up. It’s all go and every day is different.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Knowing that our knowledge and experience helps clients have a fabulous time on their holidays!
Where is your favourite place to visit in Scotland and why?
Out of the way places with peace and quiet, as long as there is a wee tearoom! I’ve always wondered if I was a hermit in a previous life.
What is your favourite BOSH holiday package?
Motorcycle Tour of Scotland. The chance to enjoy the roads less travelled on two wheels!
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Hiking or catching up with friends and family.
Meet Our Team: Jacqui Curley
What is your role at BOSH?
Operations Director
How long have you been with BOSH?
Almost 5 years
What does a typical working day look like?
It varies from day to day, I look after the day to day running of the business which covers finance and HR as well as mucking in to do quotes and bookings when needed. I am also usually on call when clients are in the country.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The satisfaction when a trip all goes to plan and the clients have a great time!
Where is your favourite place to visit in Scotland and why?
I love Falkland, it is such a pretty town with lovely shops and cafes as well as the palace and has risen in popularity after being a filming location for Outlander.
What is your favourite BOSH holiday package?
Probably the Belfast City Break, there is so much to do and I have visited several times.
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
I am usually spending time with my family or watching formula 1 racing.
Meet our team: Mariclair,
What is your role at BOSH?
I am a Travel Co-ordinator.
How long have you been with BOSH?
I have worked here for nearly eight years.
What does a typical working day look like?
A typical day begins by checking emails and actioning anything that has come in overnight. Followed by working on new quote requests for clients and putting any new bookings in to place.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I enjoy working on a quote that then becomes a booking as it is a nice feeling to know that you have helped to create a lovely holiday for the client.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Scotland and why?
St Andrews – such a lovely little town with lots of good places for food and drink as well as a beautiful beach.
What is your favourite BOSH holiday package?
I would say the Edinburgh Winter Wonder package, there is nothing quite like Edinburgh around November/December time when the city is excited for the festive season, there are beautiful Christmas lights everywhere as well as an amazing outdoor Christmas market!
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Spending time with family and friends and enjoying a glass of wine.
What is your role at BOSH?
I’m a travel co-ordinator, I deal with enquiries from agents and then manage their bookings
from the moment they convert to the day the clients leave the country.
How long have you been with BOSH?
I’m just coming up to my one year anniversary! Its been a very quick enjoyable year.
What does a typical working day look like?
It’s always a busy day that’s for sure and no two are ever the same! First job is always to
see what’s come in overnight on my email and deal with those accordingly. It’s then
prioritizing enquiries, making new bookings, dealing with existing files as there’s always
lots to do on those from booking sightseeing to arranging final paperwork. I oversee
every detail to make sure everything is perfect for our clients when they arrive.
What is your favourite part of your role?
I love working with my team, we may be small but work together perfectly, someone is
always on hand for advice if I’m ever unsure or need a helping hand. I also love seeing
the posts some of our suppliers put on social media of our clients enjoying themselves
when they are on holiday, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to know they are
having the best time!
Where is your favourite place to visit in Scotland and why?
That’s a really tough question! I holiday in Scotland often and having to choose one
place has definitely put me on the spot! Pushed, I would say the north west Highlands,
from driving the famous Bealach Na Ba road to Applecross right up to Durness in
Sutherland the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I prefer to stay in small bed and
breakfasts so really getting an authentic Scottish experience.
What is your favourite BOSH holiday package?
That would definitely be one of our North Scotland Tours, there’s so much to see and do
and its so diverse from the larger towns and cities to the remoteness of the Highlands.
From Distillery visits to beaches that would not be out of place in the Caribbean,
Scotland definitely has something for everyone.
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
Weekends are family time and if I’m surrounded by children and grandchildren then I’m happy.
