Highland Council is acquiring Stagecoach's bus operation serving Wick and Thurso in Caithness, marking a significant shift in local transport provision for the region.
Under the takeover arrangement, all 26 employees currently working for Stagecoach in Caithness will transfer to D&E Coaches, the council's own bus operating subsidiary. The transaction is scheduled to complete on 19 October.
What services will be affected?
D&E Coaches will assume responsibility for operating the full range of local bus services across the area. This includes scheduled public transport routes, school transport contracts, private hire arrangements, and dedicated services serving the Dounreay nuclear facility, which represents a significant employer and transport user in the region.
Why is this change happening?
The acquisition reflects Highland Council's strategy to maintain reliable bus services in areas where commercial operators have faced challenges. By bringing the operation under council control through D&E Coaches, the authority aims to ensure continuity of service for residents and businesses dependent on these transport links, particularly given the remote location and the importance of connections to major employment sites like Dounreay.
