Highland Council takes over bus routes after transport firm cuts

Highland Council has confirmed it will introduce a new bus service for an Inverness district, along with other areas following cuts by transport firm Stagecoach.

The local authority said it will introduce a new service for the Dalneigh area of the city from February 19.

Stagecoach announced in December that it would be cutting services to Drakies, Milton of Leys, Culduthel, Milton Crescent and Dalneigh from February 15, blaming a lack of use.

However, this caused outrage in communities, with many residents worried about the impact on the elderly in particular and fearing areas could be cut off.

Highland Council will run a number of new services from Thursday, February 19: 104 Milton of Leys to Falcon Square; 107 Slackbuie to Bridge Street; and 106 Bruce Gardens, Dalneigh to Academy Street.

The council says that, in order to accommodate the new routes, alterations will be made to the following existing services:

The 100 Inshes service will end on February 18, to be replaced by the 104.

The 108 shoppers bus will end on February 17, to be replaced by both the 104 and 107 services.

The 404A Conon Bridge/Marybrugh service to and from Dingwall will be run on school days only.

Councillor Michael Gregson (Inverness Central, Labour) said: “There will be many in Inverness who are delighted with this commitment by the council.

“Reliable bus services are more than just a convenience; they are a critical piece of infrastructure.

“For many, the bus is a lifeline to medical appointments at Raigmore or social services, without regularity and reliability, many people face transport poverty, where they are effectively cut off from the community.

“In recent times, the service for Dalneigh, parts of Hilton and other areas has just not been good enough.

“I am confident that people across the town will benefit from improved services.”

Details of the new timetable will be available soon on the Highland Council Buses webpage and Facebook page.