Mercat Tours has relaunched (Thursday, 27 August), after pausing its world-renowned tours five months ago, due to COVID-19, with a clear focus on providing a safe and fun experience for those who want to reconnect with Scotland’s capital and each other.

The family-run Edinburgh tourism business also marks its 35th anniversary which was postponed due to lockdown. Kat Brogan, managing director of Mercat Tours and whose father, Des, established the company, has been leading her team through meticulous relaunch plans: “We’ve been working hard to develop safe and sustainable plans for relaunching when the time was right for our team and our visitors.

“Our rigorous health and safety planning means robust training for staff, PPE, as well as reduced tour group sizes and new outdoor routes to allow personal distancing. For now, we will be conducting outdoor tours only to ensure everyone can be safe and feel safe.

“With thanks to VisitScotland, the Old Town Community Council and Edinburgh World Heritage for supporting Mercat Tours. “We’re Good to Go” and cannot wait to start reconnecting people with the city, its stories and each other.”

Paula Ward, regional leadership director, VisitScotland, added: “Its fantastic to see Mercat Tours open and ready to welcome people once more, as tourism businesses across the city begin to look toward recovery. We all have a part to play in getting tourism back on track by supporting local and enjoying what our beautiful city has to offer in a responsible way. Mercat Tours is a much-loved family business at the heart of the capital, so I hope residents and visitors alike will take this opportunity to rediscover Edinburgh and enjoy unique insights into its fascinating history.”

Tours can be booked via the website. Numbers are restricted so it is advised to book with plenty of notice.

Mercat Tours “We’re Good to Go” video https://youtu.be/FYE8VZ-4ojM