Hays Travel has expanded its retail footprint in Scotland after acquiring West Kilbride-based agency LAH Travel for an undisclosed sum.
The deal, which completed today (August 10), sees LAH Travel and its staff join Hays Travel’s retail network. The agency will work alongside existing branches in nearby Largs and Irvine.
It marks Hays Travel’s first acquisition of 2026, coming after the UK’s largest independent travel agency cleared a regulatory hurdle regarding its retail expansion strategy.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a Phase 1 investigation earlier this year into Hays’ late-2025 takeovers of regional chains Millington Travel and Polka Dot Travel over potential local competition concerns.
The watchdog formally approved both deals in April after finding sufficient market competition remained.
LAH Travel owner Linda Hill is stepping down after establishing the business in 2004. The agency has operated as a member of the Hays Travel Independence Group for over two decades.
Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel, said: “As a long-term member of our Independence Group we know the LAH business and team well. It was an easy decision to say yes when Linda asked us to acquire the excellent business she created and has nurtured since 2004.
“I wish Linda every success in whatever she plans next and offer her our assurance that we will take good care of their team and support them as they transition over to us.”
Hill added: “Making the decision to step away from the business I established over 22 years ago has been an emotional one. I chose to sell to Hays Travel because their values mirror ours and I know they will look after our people and customers.”
Hays Travel head of sales Tanya Cooper has met with the LAH Travel team to manage the transition process for staff and clients.
