Transport Minister agrees to take on Stagecoach over service cuts

Stagecoach has defended its services to and from the far north of Scotland this week, following a discussion in Scottish Parliament where the transport minister agreed to the tackle the company over service cuts.

During portfolio questions in the Scottish Parliament, on Wednesday, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur raised concerns about a recent loss of bus services in Caithness and the impact this was having on the travelling public.

The Orkney MSP told Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, that these cuts had “disrupted connections for those with onward ferry journeys to and from Orkney.”

Responding, the minister acknowledged the problems, which had also been raised with him during his visit to Orkney last month. Mr Yousaf also confirmed to Mr McArthur that he would take up the issue with Stagecoach.

After this most recent exchange, Mr McArthur said: “Rural and island areas depend heavily on good transport connections. At a time when we should be seeing more integrated transport provision, it seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

“The decision by Stagecoach earlier this year to reduce and alter bus services in Caithness has had a knock-on impact, not least for those trying to get to and from Orkney by ferry.  Despite ongoing discussions with the company over recent months, however, I am disappointed that there has been little progress made.

“The Transport Minister’s agreement to lend his support and speak directly to Stagecoach is therefore welcome.  I hope he will be successful in persuading Stagecoach of the need to reinstate services and allow better integration of our vital bus and ferry links.”

However, a spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland responded, following the exchange in parliament saying: “We are proud to provide bus connections to both the morning and evening sailing connecting Scrabster and Stromness making travel between Orkney and the mainland simple by bus.

“The bus connections at Scrabster allow passengers a direct connection to Thurso/Wick as well as south to Inverness, we work with NorthLink Ferries to ensure there is bus timetable information available at both ports as well as being available online for those looking to make onward connections by bus.

“Unfortunately due to an alteration of Highland Council contracts earlier this year the additional connection to the ferry at Gills Bay has been altered however we do still operate three buses a day connecting to the Gills Bay ferry port.”