Margo Howe urges people to use saved Garmouth bus service.

SNP Councillors have today [Tuesday] backed a decision by Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee to save a bus service to Garmouth after Stagecoach withdraw their own service. The committee also agreed to a 1 year trial of a bus service from Knockando, Archiestown and Marypark to Elgin.

Welcoming the decision Fochabers Lhanbryde SNP Councillor Margo Howe said:

“The removal of the Garmouth service by Stagecoach was really unexpected and a further blow to a community that had just lost its only shop.

“I have to commend the Council’s Transportation section who have reacted quickly and positively to this issue and who have come up with a solution enabling the service to continue.

“I know that people in Garmouth, Kingston and Urquhart will be pleased that a bus service will continue but I would also urge folk to use the service to ensure it remains cost effective.”

SNP Councillor for Speyside Glenlivet Ward Pearl Paul said:

“I am very pleased that Archiestown, Knockando and Marypark are set to get a new bus service to Elgin, which I know many in the area will very much welcome.

“Creative solutions to rural transport challenges are really important to keeping our communities supported and connected.”

Fellow SNP Ward Councillor Mike McConachie said:

“This is good news for these Speyside communities. Transport links are especially vital in rural areas, when critical services can often be many miles away.

“I welcome the work that has been done to achieve this and I hope the service will prove viable after the initial year’s trial.”