Scotland & Bates

Specialties

We offer bespoke services from international tours to school transport serving a diverse range of clients including tour operators, social clubs, cruise ships, student and school groups.

History

Established in 1945.

Scotland & Bates formed in 1945 when ‘Ted’ Scotland (owner of the village garage) went into partnership with ‘Bob’ Bates (the butchers’ son and taxi owner) and bought a charabanc to transport farm workers. This quickly grew to include home-​to-​school transport for local children. Around ¹⁹⁴⁹⁄₅₀ a Thornycroft motor-​coach was purchased and saw the first private hire passengers transported for leisure purposes. Over time, more vehicles were purchased and the company outgrew its village-​centre location.

Today Scotland and Bates is owned and managed by Richard & Georgina Bates and employs 19 full and part-​time staff. It is a member of the Coach Tourism Council, South East England Tourist Board and the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, in addition to holding CoachMarque status.