In-House bus team step in to provide replacement service for pupils travelling to Dingwall Academy

Following Stagecoach’s withdrawal of their public bus service which is also used by pupils from Alness and Evanton to go to Dingwall Academy, The Highland Council is delighted to announce that their In-House bus team are able to step in and provide a replacement timetable.

The service will be the 425 and it will be available for all members of the public to use.

The Council’s Chief Officer for Facilities, Fleet & Transport, Paul Reid said: “The catchment area for Dingwall Academy does not extend to Evanton or Alness, and there is no statutory duty on the Council to provide pupil transport. However,   I’m pleased to say that our In-house bus team will be able to provide a like for like replacement service that  will ensure provision for the rest of the school session.”

No decisions have been made about any service after the summer, but the usage of this service over the next 5 months will be monitored.

Chair of the Council’s Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson added:” I am delighted to hear the positive news that an interim solution has been found to this situation which will support pupils and families until the end of this school session. I am sure everyone is appreciative of the quick action taken by council officers to achieve this positive outcome.”

The timetable for the 425 service will be the same as currently operated by Stagecoach except Highland Council Buses will not provide a Friday afternoon service as Stagecoach will still have a commercial service operating from Dingwall to Alness at 1335.