1000 Scots stranded in hols hell; Holiday misery as travel firm fold.

Byline: Craig McDonald

A SCOTS tour firm have gone bust, leaving more than 1000 holidaymakers stranded abroad.

Thousands more have had their summer plans ruined by the collapse of Scot Travel Holidays.

The Lanarkshire firm, who operated flights and cruises to Turkey, announced they had ceased trading yesterday.

They shut down websites and posted notices advising customers to contact the Civil Aviation Authority for advice. A spokesman for the CAA said they hoped to get all customers home without major disruption.

They added: "Customers due to travel are advised not to go to their departure airport, as all holidays have been cancelled."

Scot Travel operated mainly through Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports to destinations such as Marmaris.

The firm sold holidays and cruises through travel agents and the company's own websites.

It is believed the estimated 1300 holidaymakers affected will be protected under the ATOL scheme, managed by the CAA.

The CAA spokesman said:"We will be making arrangements for ATOL-protected customers to complete their holidays and fly home."

They said customers should be able to remain at their original accommodation.

Scot Travel, based in Bellshill, operated two websites - scottravelholidays.co.uk and guletcruiseonline.co.uk

The main website was shut down yesterday with a brief notice posted on the homepage: "We regret to inform you that as from June 4 Scot Travel Holidays has ceased trading. All travel inquiries should be directed to the CAA."

Managing director Serkan Aydin could not be contacted.

Customers can call CAA helplines on 0207 453 6700 (office hours) or 0207 379 7311 (out of hours).