Coastal Connections

News stories are free to read. Click here for full access to all the features, articles and archive from only £8.99.

As a result of significant investment, Stagecoach Bluebird’s route 35 between Aberdeen and Elgin was among the nominees for Best Bus Route at the 2020 Scottish Transport Awards. Following his visit to Macduff depot, Jonathan Welch took up the invitation to go for a ride to find out more

After making the trip north to the Buchan coast to visit Stagecoach’s seashore depot at Macduff, which featured in last week’s issue, the relaxation of lockdown restrictions meant that I was able to take up the invitation of a journey along the route. Having heard from Stagecoach North Scotland’s Managing Director Peter Knight and Macduff’s GreenRoad Champion Fiona Pattinson about the new buses and the high standards of driving, as well as the varied nature of the route, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to see it for myself.

I chose to travel northwards from Aberdeen, and considering that social distancing requirements were still in place opted for a mid-morning journey so as to be travelling at a reasonably quiet time of day, to be sure that I wasn’t preventing anyone else from boarding due to restricted capacity.

Descending into Cullen, the bus passes under the old railway line, which no longer provides any competition to the bus service. GRANT ANDERSON
[…]

Are you enjoying this feature? Why not subscribe to continue reading?

Subscribe for 6 issues/weeks from only £6
Or login if you are already a subscriber

By subscribing you will benefit from:

  • Operator & Supplier Profiles
  • Face-to-Face Interviews
  • Lastest News
  • Test Drives and Reviews
  • Legal Updates
  • Route Focus
  • Industry Insider Opinions
  • Passenger Perspective
  • Vehicle Launches
  • and much more!