Swathes of our clients have postponed their weddings to 2021. However, some have crafted a special, smaller-scale celebration and we have been delighted to play a vital part in this with our vintage buses.

How has that worked in practice? Well, a Routemaster is still a Routemaster! For one thing, it means more space for everyone. Also, each couple that has hired us since September has come onboard themselves, rather than just their guests, as often happens. This has enabled the lucky 20 or so to share in these priceless moments on the move in an intimate way.

In October we took Samantha and Lucy from their hotel in Princes Street to Cockenzie House, on the East Lothian coast, via a drinks stop near Holyrood Park. Samantha had got in touch only a few weeks before as their plans had to change at short notice.

“With all of the Covid restrictions we couldn't have the venue in the town centre we originally booked but found somewhere out of town,” Lucy says. “The next problem was how to get everyone safely there. That's when we were recommended the Red Bus! They had everything worked out for safe travel, with 20 people allowed on board in a socially distanced way and a full risk assessment. The Red Bus were so helpful and flexible.

“But what started as a solution to a problem turned out to be a central and really special part of the day. A beautiful vintage bus, decked out with flowers and ribbons and our very own personalized destination sign! It took us in style and had lots of appreciative nods and waves from people as we passed by. We stopped on the way for pictures and had drinks on the bus. And the friendly faces of the driver and conductor as they made sure everything ran smoothly. We were sad to get off!”

Jade and Karl got married in the Old Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park. “We went ahead with our wedding this September,” Jade says. “We'd always planned something small but with the Covid restrictions we had to make some changes along the way. The Red Bus were understanding the whole time, even with changing our venue.

“The bus itself is absolutely lovely, all the finishing touches are wonderful and so well thought out. Even though the bus has been made Covid secure and safe throughout, it didn't feel any less special or welcoming. Our whole party have commented how it really made the day and gave us tourists a chance to see some sites around Edinburgh.

“We can't thank Sam, Clunie and the Red Bus enough for being part of our day and would recommend this to anyone planning on going ahead with their day, big or small.”

Caitlin and Dale started and ended their trip at the Balmoral Hotel. The tour took in a photo stop by the Stones Park on Regent Road, and we even did the slow, winding drive up Calton Hill, which is always spectacular.

“Luckily, despite Covid the plan for us was always to have a small wedding of 20 guests in Edinburgh. We were looking at ways to keep our guests occupied while we got photos – that's when we decided on the Red Bus.

“It was a fantastic ice breaker and meant our guests weren't stuck in the same venue all day. Despite guests social distancing on the bus, it still felt intimate and allowed guests to chat.

“We had a drive around Edinburgh before stopping at Regent Road which gave us the opportunity to throw confetti and pop open prosecco. Lastly, we went up to Calton Hill and got a few more snaps before heading back to the hotel. The bus was a lovely backdrop for photos and was a great highlight to the day. Everyone absolutely loved it, especially my gran who liked to give everyone a wave out the window!"

Yes, these are tough times but we are proud to have helped get these couples off to a happy start.

© The Red Bus 2020