Protours - The Island's Largest Coach Operator Ballasalla Airport Garage, Ballasalla, Isle of Man, IM9 2AN Tel 01624 822611, Fax 01624 822389 Website: www.protours.co.im E-mail info@protours.co.im

Towards the latter part of 2003 the operations of Tours (Isle of Man) passed to Protours (Isle of Man), who introuced the Protours fleetname and an attractive livery of white with yellow and green flashes and embarked upon a vehicle upgrading policy. Protours currently has a varied and interesting fleet with older Bedfords and Leyland Tigers running alongside more modern DAF's, LAG Panoramic, Bova, Volvo's and Scanias and a range of minicoaches. November 2003 saw the arrival of a new 35-seat Turkish built BMC, the first new full size coach the Island has seen since Highlander purchased Bedford YRQ/Plaxton 45 OMN in 1972. Two vintage Duple Vista bodied Bedford OB's dating from 1950 comprise the heritage fleet, whilst a rare Van Hool bodied ACE Puma adds interest for enthusiasts. Most of the fleet carry Protours colours, although there are one or two that retain the former Tours (IOM) colour schemes. In addition to Island based touring work, Protours also undertakes private hires, off Island holidays and Express services. Details of services and holidays currently on offer can be obtained by contacting Protours at the above address. Below are photographs of a selection of vehicles currently and recently operated.

Following the change of ownership to Protours, a number of older coaches have been withdrawn and disposed of in conjunction with a fleet upgrading programme. The first coach to arrive is this new 35-seat BMC which was also the first to carry the new base white livery. Registered BMN 111C, and numbered 850/1 it is captured at Summerhill depot alongside Plaxton bodied Bedford 7, whose registration it has taken. The Bedford was withdrawn and has subsequently left the fleet. (Photos Richard Dodge)

Bova 1 (MAN 1110) is parked outside Ronaldsway Airport awaiting a party. (Photo Richard Dodge)

Bedford 3 (HMN 111) draws to a stop in Laxey on a school journey. (Photo Richard Dodge)

One of the recent intake of coaches, Scania 7 (111 JMN) makes its way along Douglas Promenades en route to the boat. (Photo S. Taylor)

One time Port Erin Hotels Plaxton bodied Bedford 9 (FMN 111N) sits at the coach stand on Douglas Promenade. The coach had been withdrawn some months earlier and was being used for non-psv work. (Photo Richard Dodge)

The first of the Duple bodied DAF's acquired by Tours (IOM), now Protours 10 (111 PMN) waits outside Douglas Promenade booking office between runs. (Photo Richard Dodge)

Rare ACE Puma 32 (L111 MAN) is seen parked up alongside Ramsey Swimming Pool having last been employed on the northern express service between Douglas and Ramsey. (Photo Richard Dodge)