The Dundee-based company closed in late May, with other local operators stepping in to cover work at short notice
On Tuesday 20 May, Dundee, operator Fishers Tours announced that it would cease trading by Friday 23 May, with the loss of over 20 jobs. Sources close to the company reported that the announcement was unexpected and came as
a shock to many. The operator held a number of contracts with local councils for home-to-school transport services for schools in the Dundee and wider Angus areas. The company was known for its network of infrequent Scottish Express services to different destinations across the country, though had announced a scaling back of the number of routes operated for 2025.
Fishers Tours recorded a pre-tax loss of £34,000 on a turnover of around £2.3m in 2024, having posted a £96,000 profit in 2023, but declined to offer further comment on the circumstances surrounding the closure, whilst a spokesperson for Dundee City Council said it was aware of the developing situation and looking at options. By Thursday 22 May the council said it had made agreements in principle to cover all of the home to school transport routes from Tuesday 27 May. The council thanked operators JP Coaches, Short’s Travel, Wisharts Coaches, Moffat and Williamson and Smith & Sons for stepping in to provide vehicles at short notice. Meanwhile, McGill’s Group said it had also opened dialogue with Fishers Tours and local authorities to ascertain whether it could assist and whether employees of Fishers Tours could be offered alternative employment by McGill’s. CEO Tony Williamson said: “We’re entering into discussions with Fishers Tours regarding their team members, and the feasibility of interviews and alternative employment being offered by McGill’s. We know this has come as a huge shock to their team but we want to help if we can.”
The company said it will also provide assistance to other customers affected by Fishers’ cancelled bookings for private hires, day trips, and events, and had agreed to fulfil some imminent bookings free of charge, due to the exceptional circumstances.
At the time of writing, the Fishers Tours website remained live, with no indication of the closure.
