Improving local Public Transport Links in Aird and Muir of Ord/Beauly
The Highland Council is finalising arrangements for two new rural transport services, which will give residents in the Aird and Muir of Ord/Beauly areas much better access to local shops and services and connections to main bus and train routes.
From Monday 2 July, C & E Taxis will operate in the Beauly/Muir of Ord area between 7-8 am and 6–7 pm on a Monday to Friday and in addition between 9 am–1 pm and 4–6 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The service will operate in the area bounded by the A831 between Beauly Toll and Struy, A862 between Beauly Toll and Highfield, A832 between Muir of Ord and Moy Bridge junction, the Marybank – Strathconon road as far as Loch Achonachie dam, as well as all other minor public roads within this area. Journeys between Muir of Ord and Beauly only are not available.
From Monday 6 August, Ross’s Minibuses will provide a service on a Monday and a Wednesday in the Aird area, which will allow residents to book a pick up time from their homes or the location of their choice to the destination of their choice within the locality. They will run the service between 9 am–1 pm and 4-6 pm. The bus will operate within the area bounded by Brochies Corner (A833/A862 junction), A862 at Lentran, Blackfold, A82 below Abriachan, A833 at Ardblair as well as all minor roads within this area. Extensions may be made to Beauly and Drumnadrochit and to A82 below Blackfold. Both vehicles will be wheelchair accessible.
For those over the age of 60 or with a disability the Scotland Wide Free Bus Travel Card is accepted on the services. For others the charges will be closer to those normally paid by bus users. Times will be advertised and booking is required.
The services are contracted by The Highland Council in recognition of the need to provide appropriate public transport in rural communities.
The services are in addition to the 16 demand-responsive services being operated or introduced throughout the Highlands.
The four councillors who serve the Aird and Beauly ward on The Highland Council have welcomed the new services, which will greatly help local people to get about their area.
Councillor Margaret Davidson commented: “It’s good to see this new service starting. It was in response to people’s requests that I made this bid. I know of many folk who are increasingly unable or unhappy driving into the city and this new subsidised taxi will be a real boon to them, helping them retain their rural home and independence.”
Councillor Hamish Wood said: “I would encourage everyone in the area to make use of this new facility which will improve access to services currently made difficult due to a lack of local transport.”
Councillor Helen Carmichael welcomed the service. She said: “This is great news for the Aird and Loch Ness Ward. Until now residents living in the outlying areas without their own transport have been disadvantaged. This new idea will enable them to access village shops, doctors’ surgeries and libraries on a regular basis – and it’s free to seniors who have a bus pass.”
Councillor Drew Hendry said: “This is a real step forward for public transport and general mobility in Aird and Loch Ness. It is an example of taking the needs of the communities and delivering a tangible result. It is one of the first steps in offering the public real choices when it comes to connecting with local transport options.”