Tender

Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

27 Feb 2026 at 13:31

Summary of the contracting process

Historic Environment Scotland is inviting tenders for the provision of a shuttle bus service, titled "Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service". This procurement falls under the services category, specifically the hire of buses and coaches with drivers, and is located in Orkney, Scotland. The tender is currently in the active stage, with submissions open until 30th March 2026 at 12:00 GMT. The contract, valued at £300,000, spans a period of 360 days with an option for renewal up to 24 months. The service requires the daily operation of a shuttle bus with qualified drivers between Stenness Visitor Centre and Tormiston Mill, except for specified dates during December 2026 and January 2027. Potential suppliers are encouraged to submit their bids electronically through the Public Contracts Scotland website.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities for companies specialising in transportation services, particularly those with experience in providing shuttle bus operations. Businesses that can demonstrate economic stability and meet stringent insurance requirements will have a competitive edge. Quality and price are key award criteria, and suppliers with qualified staff can gain an advantage. The open procedure procurement method ensures inclusivity, allowing diverse businesses to compete. Given Historic Environment Scotland’s focus on heritage conservation, companies in the tourism and heritage sectors might find this opportunity particularly beneficial in aligning with their strategic goals.

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Notice Title

Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service

Notice Description

Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service

Lot Information

Lot 1

HES requires the provision of a shuttle bus service from Stenness Visitor Centre, Orkney to Tormiston Mill, Stenness, Orkney and back on a daily basis, with the exceptions of 25 - 26th December 2026 and 1-2 January 2027. The appointed supplier must provide a bus and qualified licensed driver from 09.45hrs - 17.30hrs 7 days a week. However, during the months of June, July and August the bus will also run daily until 21:00.

Options: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to request additional deliveries by the Successful Tenderer, either intended as partial replacement of supplies or installations or as extensions of existing supplies and installations. The Contracting Authority may at it's sole discretion exercise this option.

Renewal: HES will have the option to extend the contract for a further 12 month period, giving a maximum possible contract term of 24 months.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065e52
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017921-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Feb 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
30 Mar 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
24 months from contract award date.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH9 1SH
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM65 Orkney Islands

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Southside/Newington
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh South

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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