Members of the group on the deck of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Sonia Norgan, Organiser for The Dorset Explorers group, recently arranged a day out to Edinburgh for 35 members. “A 4.45am start from Poole did not deter us,” says Sonia. “Perhaps the prospect of spending 12 hours in the city was an incentive and it certainly proved worthwhile.”

The group’s regular coach operator, Sea View Coaches of Poole, took members to Southampton airport to catch the 7.10am flight to Edinburgh. “The groups department at FlyBe in Exeter arranged this easily and at a realistic price,” states Sonia.

The group was then taken by James E. McNee Coaches to the Ocean Terminal at Leith where the Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed. Sonia states, “I choose J.P. McNee from three local operators and found them to be fantastic, especially Carol McNee, who dealt with our booking.” She continues, “An audio tour is the ideal way to leisurely take in everything on board the Royal Yacht Britannia and it is like stepping into a private residence. Afterwards, we only had to walk a few yards to Baxters Forthview Restaurant where a delicious lunch was served by staff aiming to please.”

The group was then whisked off to enjoy a coach trip across the city before members were free to explore a choice of Edinburgh attractions. Sonia concludes, “Thanks to all those involved in our itinerary for their thoughtful efficiency. One of the members summed up our general feeling – I cannot believe we have been so far and seen so much in a short period of time!”