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Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service

Historic Environment Scotland

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

22 Jun 2026 at 01:00

OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

27 Feb 2026 at 00:00

OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Historic Environment Scotland, a central purchasing body responsible for heritage conservation, has successfully awarded a contract for the provision of a shuttle bus service titled "Provision of Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service." The service, categorized under the tourism, heritage, and conservation industry, will operate daily between Stenness Visitor Centre and Tormiston Mill in Orkney, with the exception of specific dates in December 2026 and January 2027. The contract, worth £180,000, has been awarded to Acacia Coaches LTD following an open procurement method. The procurement process commenced with the tender stage closing on 30 March 2026, and the contract has since been signed and is active as of 8 June 2026.

This project presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses within the transportation and tourism sectors. Companies capable of providing robust driver and vehicle operations, particularly those familiar with the logistics of heritage site access and visitor service management, are well-suited to compete. The procurement process highlighted the importance placed on price and technical quality criteria, likely appealing to businesses that can leverage competitive pricing and quality service delivery. Moreover, the open procedure and electronic submission method broaden access opportunities, encouraging diverse business participation and fostering innovation within the service offering.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000825079
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN558427
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

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
£180,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Jun 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
30 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
8 Jun 20262 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
24 months from contract award date.

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

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
Postcode Area
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Acacia Coaches LTD

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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