Stagecoach announced on 13 June that it is carrying out a review of its operations in northern Scotland. The company says it has been unable to cover the cost of running its local network due to a combination of tender losses, reduced passenger demand and higher costs, and that the situation is no longer sustainable.
The operator says it has met with staff and trade union representatives and has launched a consultation with employees over future options for the business, which includes the potential closure of its Stonehaven and Insch depots, plus some of the engineering functions currently carried out at Elgin depot moving to Inverness.
Service changes could affect routes operated by its Stagecoach Bluebird division in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the Moray Council areas, though there will be no changes to services in the Stagecoach Highlands and Highland Council area, apart from services entering the area operated by Bluebird, the company says.
Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland David Beaton said: “We are a significant local employer and we understand the importance of bus services for the local community. We also know that any change can be unsettling for our people. That’s why we are working closely with both the trade union to protect as many jobs and as much of the local bus services as possible.
“We’re carrying out a consultation and will be working closely with staff during this process, however the reality is that we simply cannot sustain the current operation.”