Sale of bus depot is a welcome boost for Lochaber transport

The ongoing saga of the withdrawal from Lochaber by the bus operator Stagecoach has been a worrying one for many residents of the area.

So it is very positive news we report today that Shiel Buses has bought the Stagecoach depot at Caol.

As we report this week, Shiel Buses managing director Donald MacGillivray has explained that the company, now in its 40th year of operation, has been looking to bolster its presence in Fort William and an investment plan was put in place last year when the company secured the first of its services in Fort William.

Shiel has already secured some Highland Council contracts to provide services in Roy Bridge and Fort William. By Mr MacGillivray’s own admission, the company, though established for 40 years, is a small business though it appears to have big ambitions and has invested heavily in its fleet of vehicles. Indeed, the deal for the Caol depot has also seen it invest a further £250,000 to purchase the site.

Mr MacGillivray tells us the company will retain its depot in Claggan and keep its headquarters in Acharacle as it hopes to maintain a comprehensive service across Lochaber. That is good new for its 70 members of staff.

To have a local, well-respected company take up the reins for providing bus services in Lochaber is a very welcome development and we wish Mr MacGillivray and his team every success.