Catch the Bus Month 2025
The final event to mark Highland Council’s participation in Catch the Bus Month 2025 took place yesterday (Tuesday 30 September) with 7 pupils from Millburn Academy paying a visit the council depot.
The pupils were collected from their school by one of the Council’s in-house 16-seater minibuses. Accompanied by Guidance Teacher, Grant Gollan, they were given a tour of the site and boarded a single decker, a double decker and a coach – all taking the opportunity to sit in the drivers seat!
The team helped check the buses for any belonging left behind and made sure they were ready for hire. After speaking to drivers and asking lots of questions, the guests were transported back to school in style with a ride on one of the Council’s Double Deckers.
Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “We now have potentially 7 new transport professionals of the future! I’d like to thank the pupils for coming along and showing so much interest. It’s a great way to bring our participation in the Catch the Bus campaign to a close.”
The visit follows the public event held in Inverness city centre on 8 September where Representatives from Bus Users UK joined the Highland Council, D&E coaches, Stagecoach and CityLink to promote the many benefits of using buses including - boosting the economy, reducing congestion and pollution, and improving health and wellbeing.
Throughout September the Council offered a 10-journey ticket anywhere in the area their in-house buses operate for a maximum price of £20. Take up of this offer was very positive.
Councillor Ken Gowans added: “Taking part in Catch A Bus Month for the first time has been a very positive experience. It’s been a great way to highlight the very important role buses play in connecting our communities, reducing traffic and emissions, and keeping life moving.”
Catch the Bus Month Campaign Lead, Lydia Horbury, from Bus Users UK said: “We’re thrilled that The Highland Council has been championing Catch the Bus Month 2025 and celebrating these vital services and the incredible people who run them and rely on them. Buses are the unsung heroes of transport. We want to get even more people on board because Catch the Bus Month isn’t just about riding the bus, it’s about driving change!"