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Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
15 freebies and discounts, over-60s can claim even if you're not retired yet
Own your age and save cash in multiple areas of everyday life HAPPY DAYS 15 freebies and discounts, over-60s can claim even if you're not retired yet Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOU are only as old as you feel, but when you hit 60 there are financial benefits to owning your new age. Many companies give discounts to older customers to encourage them to spend, although they are not always well advertised. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Many companies give discounts to older customers to encourage them to spend Credit: Getty Some of the most valuable start when you hit 60, while there are many more that kick in at 65 or state pension age — now 66. We've rounded up some of the best discounts. 7 One of the best free things for over-60s is a free bus pass Credit: Getty Travel Free travel passes: One of the best free things of being 60 or older is that you can get free bus passes in the UK. The rules around free bus passes for older people have changed in recent years. But you can currently claim a free bus pass in England when you reach the state pension age, which is 66, regardless of gender giving you free local bus travel anywhere in the country. Residents in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland can get the free older person's buss pass from the age of 60. When it comes to London, whether you live inside or outside the capital, you can get the Freedom Pass. This allows you to travel for free on the bus, tram, DLR and most rail services. For London residents, the 60+ Oyster Card means you can ride the capital's public transport for free. Scotland offers free travel on national bus services and free rail travel in some areas via a National Entitlement Card too. 6 ways to get the biggest bargains in B&M And people over 60 in Wales can benefit from free bus travel with a Concessionary Travel pass which also allows for some free rail travel. Free rail travel includes routes Wrexham to Hawarden Bridge, Shrewsbury to Swansea, or Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog. 7 Older people can visit a number of museums and art galleries for free Credit: Getty Days out Free activities: The UK is home to some of the world's best museums and art galleries and older people can visit a number of them for free. This includes the Natural History Museum, National Art Gallery and V&A Museum of Childhood in London. In Scotland, you can see the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or National Museum of Scotland free of charge. And if you're in Cardiff or Coventry, you'll be able to get into St Fagans National History Museum and Coventry Transport Museum respectively. But if you're more of an outdoors fan, you can visit the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh or the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield. And if you love sports and fancy a day out with your family, you can go to the National Football Museum in Manchester or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 7 Over 60s can enjoy discounted meals Credit: Getty Eating out Free meals out: Many restaurants and pubs offer smaller portions and cheaper menus for over-60s. If you frequently dine out, you may want to consider getting a Tastecard. While not exclusive to seniors, it offers up to a 50% discount on food or two-for-one meals at over 6,000 UK restaurants. You can sign up for a 90-day free trial for just £1, or get an annual membership for £34.99. If you're doing a trial, remember to cancel before the time period is up or you'll be charged. Independent pubs and country dining houses also regularly feature pensioner lunches on specific days, afternoon teas or a two-for-one deal. Asda also extends a special offer to over-60s with customers in this age group able to purchase soup and a bread roll for just £1. You'll also be treated to unlimited tea and coffee for free at any of Asda's 205 cafes. Waitrose also has a hot drink offer for members of their myWaitrose loyalty scheme too, which is free to join. 7 It's important to stay fit and active as you get older Credit: Getty Health and fitness Free prescriptions: It's important you continue to stay fit and look after your health as you get older and many free services are available to over-60s in the UK. If you are over 60, any medicine prescribed by your doctor is free anywhere in the UK. You may need to bring identification though to prove your age and you'll need to tell your chemist at the till. Free eye tests: Over-60s are also entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test every two years and the likes of Specsavers also offer free eye tests. Free dental care: Depending on what benefits you are receiving, you could also be entitled to free NHS dental care. If you're based in Wales, you can get free dental examinations but any subsequent treatment will have a charge. And in Scotland, you'll be able to access free NHS dental examinations with treatment completely free for some patients. Free hearing check: It's also recommended that you get a hearing check every two years with hearing impairment affecting one in six people in the UK. If you're over 50, you can book a free hearing test and ear check at Boots and Specsavers also offer everyone a free hearing test too, regardless of age. Free health checks: The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. If you're aged between 40 and 74 and do not have a pre-existing health conditions, you should be invited to one every five years by your local GP. Free swim and gym sessions: It's also important to stay fit and active, and if you're a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, you don't even have to leave your home to try a fitness class. You could try Joe Wicks' The Body Coach, Sophie Dear Yoga or The Girl with the Pilates mat with Rachel Lawrence online. And in some areas across the UK, you can access free swimming and gym classes if you're over 60 too. 7 You can get a 10% discount on Tuesdays at a major supermarket Credit: Getty Shopping 10% off in Iceland: Iceland offers exclusive discounts for over-60s. Customers in this age group can enjoy a 10% discount on their shopping with no minimum spend requirement on a Tuesday. The discount is also applicable to The Food Warehouse branches. B&Q also provides enticing deals every Wednesday with a range of discounts available with their Diamond B&Q club. And ATS Euromaster caters to the motor needs of over-60s through its Club 60 program. You can get free year-round discounts on car-related services such as MOTs, air con recharges, wheel alignment and 15 per cent off on servicing. 7 You could be entitled to a free TV licence Credit: Getty Free items for the home Free TV licence: You can get various TV licence discounts and concessions with eligibility depending on individual circumstances. If you're over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you can even get a free TV licence that covers both yourself and anyone you live with, regardless of their age. For those who are blind or have a severe sight impairment, you could be entitled to a 50% discount too. If you're residing in a care home or sheltered housing, there's also the option of an Accommodation for Residential Care licence for £7.50. Free energy payment: If you're born on or before 22 September 1959, you can get between £100 and £300 to help pay for your heating bills this winter. Discounted vet expenses: Dogs Trust provide a 50% discount with their subscription that amounts to just £12.50 a year. This can entitle you to 24-hour emergency advice, third-party public liability insurance for your dog and more. Free payment for grandparents: If you're among the 63% of grandparents providing care for your grandchildren, you could qualify for additional tax credits amounting to £330 each year. It can even be retroactively applied as far back as 2011. Free handyman service: Several councils offer a handyman service for over-60s that can cover minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs or other small DIY jobs.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
New call to give all pensioners free bus travel between Scotland, England and Wales
An online petition wants to see governments negotiate UK-wide recognition of the concessionary bus travel scheme. A new online petition is calling for a change to the nationwide concessionary bus travel scheme to enable every older person to travel between all nations of the UK for free. At present, National Entitlement Cards are issued to people over State Pension age living in England and Wales, but available to those aged over 60 in Scotland. Petition creator Hillary Shaw argues that older people living near the borders of UK regions are 'disadvantaged' and that as bus services run across Scotland, England and Wales, it would be 'easier and fairer' if the concession card covered the whole journey. It emerged last year that existing UK Government legislation could make it possible to allow people with a concessionary bus pass to travel throughout the UK - in the future. At the time, the then Minister for Roads and Local Transport Guy Opperman, said there were no present plans to 'introduce such an arrangement'. The 'Negotiate UK-wide recognition of older person's bus passes' petition has been posted on the official UK Government's Petitions Parliament website and states: 'I think senior citizens living close to the English, Scottish and Welsh borders are disadvantaged in how many local bus services they can use. 'Bus services run across borders and I think it would be easier and fairer if the bus pass covered the whole journey, and return, on all of these services. 'I think it would be fairer for all if these passes could simply be used on any bus service in the UK. This could increase pensioner independence and travel opportunities, especially for those living in border areas.' At 10,000 signatures of support, the petition would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government, most-likely the Department for Transport. At 100,000 signatures, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament - you can view it online here. National Entitlement Card in Scotland In Scotland, people over 60 are eligible to apply for the National Entitlement Card (NEC), which is administered by the Scottish Government. It is Scotland's National Smartcard, offering access to many public services across the country. The card gives elderly and disabled people free bus travel across Scotland and, through the Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme, also provides reductions on train, Subway and ferry fares. The NEC is valid for up to three years, but in a change to the renewal process, SPT no longer sends out renewal forms to disabled card holders. This means everyone with a card - sometimes referred to as a 'Saltire card' - should check the expiry date to make sure they will be able to enjoy uninterrupted entitlement to travel concessions. SPT recommends applying for a renewal card at least five weeks before the expiry date. It's also important to be aware that guidance on the SPT website states that the Concessionary Travel Card Unit at Buchanan Bus Station will be closed for in person applications until further notice.
Glasgow Times
07-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Trossachs Explorer bus returns for summer 2025 season
The Trossachs Explorer, operated by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, officially began on Monday, July 7, and will run until October 5. To mark the occasion, members of the National Authority team joined drivers from McColl's, the company operating the service, to exchange knowledge on the route. Trossachs Explorer driver Colin MacDonald and National Park Authority Ranger Team Leader Suzanne Humphries (Image: Supplied) This move aims to ensure passengers have the best experience and learn more about the national park landscape during their journey. The service features two low-emission, modern buses running daily between Drymen and Callander. Read more: Glasgow children invited to write poem about classic British vegetable They stop at popular visitor spots including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk, and Kilmahog for Ben Ledi. Gordon Watson, chief executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park join McColls bus drivers for Trossachs Explorer launch in Drymen (Image: Supplied) "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses.' The service also offers improved connectivity with coordinated timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria, and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. All-day tickets cost £6 for adults, £3.50 for children, and £5.65 for students. Group or family tickets are £16 for up to five people. A seven-journey saver ticket is available for £25. Under 22s and over 60s travel free with a National Entitlement Card. Cllr Jen Preston, convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: 'There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to." Liam McColl, director of McColl's, said: 'This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. 'Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too.' This summer, the service will trial further enhancements and route expansions as part of ongoing efforts to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures, and help people connect with and protect the national park's environment.
Daily Record
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
TRNSMT 2025 travel and public transport options including bus, train and subway
Festival-goers heading to Glasgow Green next month should plan how they are going to get there in advance TRNSMT 2025 is less than two weeks away, and if you're planning to join the festivities at Glasgow Green and catch a glimpse of acts including 50 Cent and Biffy Clyro, it's time to sort out your travel arrangements. With thousands set to descend on Scotland's premier music festival from Friday, July 11, until Sunday, July 13, public transport services are bracing for a hectic few days. There are numerous ways to reach the festival from all corners of Scotland, including trains, buses, and there's even accessible parking for those with disabilities. Remember, camping at TRNSMT isn't allowed, so sorting out your transport to and from the festival in advance could save you from being left high and dry. Some public transport may also become scarcer as the day goes on. To be extra prepared, ticket holders should check what items are prohibited at TRNSMT and how much they'll be shelling out for drinks. If you're still on the lookout for TRNSMT tickets, Ticketmaster has some up for grabs here. Full road closures during the event have also been announced, which you can find here. In the meantime, read on for the lowdown on getting to TRNSMT 2025. Walking Glasgow Green is conveniently located within the city centre, making it an easy stroll from all major travel hubs. These include Buchanan Bus Station, Central Station and Glasgow Queen Street. Bus Glasgow Green is a mere 20-minute stroll from Buchanan Bus Station. It's worth noting that any resident in Scotland aged between five and 21, regardless of nationality, can apply for a new National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC to enjoy free bus travel on scheduled services across the country. For more details, visit Citylink will be operating special services to the festival from locations across the country, including Inverness, Perth, Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, and Halbeath. When purchasing Citylink bus tickets, please use 'TRNSMT' as your destination. Additionally, a shuttle bus service will run from Buchanan Station to the festival every half an hour from 11.30am until 4:45pm each day. The shuttle will also operate an evening service from 9pm until nearly midnight to transport you back to the bus station. The following First Bus services also stop within a five minute walk to Glasgow Green: 2 18 60 61 64 240 255 263 Train Glasgow Green is accessible from five rail stations, all within a 15-minute walk. These are: Glasgow Central Station (Step Free Access Available) Glasgow Queen Street Station (Step Free Access Available) Glasgow High Street Station Glasgow Argyle Street Station Glasgow Bridgeton Station ScotRail has not yet announced whether it will be providing additional services for the event. For more information - including accessibility - and to book tickets in advance, please visit ScotRail here. Subway Glasgow Green can be reached from two subway stations, both within a 15-minute walk: Buchanan Street station St Enoch Station The final trains will run between 11pm and 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and this service will not be available after the event on Sunday. Click here for exact time. For information on Subway accessibility and , click here. Coaches The transport company Happy Bus offers a chartered coach service with parking near Glasgow Green, with tickets available here. You can contact Happy Bus at info@happybus. for information on accessibility. Pickup/drop off Due to road closures, cars cannot get close to Glasgow Green on show days. The following four locations are recommended as the most convenient for drop-offs or pick-ups: North - Duke Street at High Street South – Caledonia Road East – London Road, east of Bridgeton Rail Station West – Broomielaw, west of Oswald Street Glasgow operates under a Low Emission Zone, meaning all vehicles entering the city centre must meet certain emission standards or face a penalty charge. Parking Glasgow Green is serviced by seven car parks, all within a 15-minute walk: Q Park Albion Street - 437 spaces City Parking Duke Street - 170 spaces NCP Montrose Street - 230 spaces Merchant City High Street - 200 spaces NCP King Street - 660 spaces NCP Glassford Street - 545 spaces NCP Dunlop Street - 112 spaces Taxis The following taxi ranks service Glasgow Green: Glasgow Cross on London Road Albion Street, Merchant City West George St at Queen Street Station Gordon St at Central Station Accessible parking A limited number of blue badge parking spaces are available to pre-arrange. Please contact access@ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New Edinburgh to Glasgow bus launches multi-stop service running every 30 minutes
A new Edinburgh to Glasgow bus is set to launch next month, providing a multi-stop service every 30 minutes. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... FlixBus, which launched a direct Edinburgh to London Heathrow bus earlier in the month, will start the new service on Monday, July 7, with several new stops added across the capital to improve local travel options. In addition to its central Edinburgh Bus Station stop, the new service will call at Princes Street, Haymarket Station, Edinburgh Zoo, Corstorphine Drum Brae, Ratho Station, and Ingliston Park and Ride. The bus service, which is set to run every 30–35 minutes, will also connect Livingston, Harthill and Newhouse Park and Ride before arriving in Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And similar to the direct service between Edinburgh and Heathrow Airport, the new service offers free travel for Young Scot under 22s, over 60s with a bus pass and anyone with a National Entitlement Card. FlixBus is launching a new multi-stop bus service between Edinburgh and Glasgow | FlixBus Andreas Schorling, senior managing director of FlixBus UK, said: 'The launch of this route marks the next phase of our growth journey in Scotland, providing a service tailored to the needs of local people, offering a fantastic customer experience through our constant focus on passengers. 'Adding these destinations will bring convenient, frequent FlixBus journeys to those living outside of city centres, perfect for everyone from commuters to university students and day trips.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Full route stop list: Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station, Newhouse Park and Ride, Harthill Services, Livingston Deer Park, Ratho Station, Ingliston Park and Ride, Corstorphine Drum Brae, Edinburgh Zoo, Haymarket Station, Edinburgh Princes Street, and Edinburgh Bus Station. For more information and to check ticket availability you can visit the FlixBus website.
