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 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

Historic Environment Scotland has initiated a public procurement tender for the provision of a Maeshowe Shuttle Bus Service. This procurement falls within the industry category of tourism, heritage, conservation, and built environment services, and the shuttle bus will operate in the region of Stenness, Orkney. The tender process follows an open procedure allowing electronic submissions, ending by 30th March 2026 at noon. Key dates include the award period and bid opening which occur on the same day, signalling movement into the award stage thereafter. The total contract value is estimated at £300,000, with potential for contract extension of up to 24 months, providing services from Stenness Visitor Centre to Tormiston Mill daily, and extended hours during summer months.

This tender presents significant business growth opportunities, particularly for those in the transportation sector with experience in providing shuttle services. Businesses equipped with the required insurance and economic stability are encouraged to apply. The open procurement process implies a competitive environment favourable for SMEs capable of fulfilling demands for quality service and competitive pricing. Organisations bid not only on pricing but also on quality metrics, offering a balanced approach to contract awards. This service requirement aligns well with businesses focusing on regional transportation or tourism enhancements, and who have the logistical facilities to provide and manage the daily operations of such a service. Interested suppliers should ensure they meet Historical Environment Scotland's financial and operational criteria to stand a competitive chance.

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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-r6ebe6-0000825079
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB550584
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract 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 20263 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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