News release issued in partnership between The Highland Council, Stagecoach North and D&E Coaches.
Highland Council-owned D&E Coaches has confirmed the acquisition of Stagecoach’s Thurso and Wick bus operation securing local jobs, protecting vital services and strengthening public transport provision across the Highlands.
D&E Coaches will take over operation of the business from 19 October, with all 26 Stagecoach employees transferring under TUPE arrangements, resulting in no redundancies.
The transfer includes 20 drivers and 6 maintenance staff, together with the existing fleet, depot and operational facilities in Thurso and Wick. Public transport, school transport, private hire contracts and Dounreay services currently operated by Stagecoach will continue under D&E Coaches, helping ensure continuity for passengers and communities across Caithness.
The acquisition forms part of Highland Council's wider strategy to expand its publicly owned transport network and build a stronger, more resilient Highland-wide bus operation.
Members of The Highland Council approved the purchase as a strategic investment designed to reduce long-term transport costs, protect rural routes, strengthen service delivery and create opportunities for future growth.
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: "This is very positive news for local employees, passengers and communities across Caithness.
"By bringing this operation into public ownership through D&E Coaches, we are securing jobs, safeguarding essential bus services and strengthening our ability to provide reliable transport links for the people who depend on them.
"Combined with the growth of Highland Council Buses and our previous acquisition of D&E Coaches, this move creates a larger and more sustainable transport operation that will protect important rural services, improve operational resilience and create opportunities to deliver transport services more efficiently in the future.”
Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director, David Beaton said: "We're pleased that the transfer of our Thurso and Wick operation will secure the employment of all our colleagues in the area, with no redundancies as a result of the change.
"Our colleagues are at the heart of our business, and we're committed to supporting them throughout the transfer process. We'll work closely with Highland Council and D&E Coaches to help ensure a smooth transition for our colleagues and customers."
D&E Coaches Director, Malcolm MacLeod added: "D&E Coaches remains one of the north's business success stories, and we are committed to ensuring these high standards of transport provision are maintained and will work with staff and partners to ensure as smooth a transition as possible."
Further information about services following the transfer will be issued by D&E Coaches ahead of the changeover on 19 October.