New faces step up to help save bus

A rural community bus at risk of being axed unless more villagers use it or new members join its committee has been thrown a lifeline after fresh faces came forward to assist.

Last week, we told how the Killin Community Bus – which has been a vital transport connection for those living in and around the village for more than 50 years – faced being lost due to a lack of use and a lack of volunteers joining its committee.

An Emergency General Meeting (EGM) was called and on Tuesday night villagers met to discuss the future of the service.

The volunteer committee who help to deliver the service were buoyed by new faces stepping in to help.

A spokesperson for the committee told the Observer:“enough showed up to volunteer to fill positions in the committee – the treasurer and maintenance manager positions are now filled by new members.

“I have taken on the role of promotions as well as continuing to be minutes secretary. There were also three more volunteers who are joining as just committee members.

“Hopefully this has minimised the risk of losing the bus as we now have pretty much a full committee.”

Charlie Grant stepped down as chairman, but will continue to be a trustee of the bus.

The spokesperson added:“our local Scout leader and Highland Hustle coach, Laura Bathgate, has taken up the role as chairman.

“Unfortunately we were unable to replace the company secretary, Donald Maciver, who like Charlie will remain a trustee of the bus. We mainly couldn’t find a replacement for him due to the complexity of the position, with needing accountancy and law knowledge.

“However, the committee have decided to look into hiring someone once to twice a year for this role.”

Trossachs and Teith ward councillor Martin Earl attended Tuesday’s meeting and explained he would help in any means he can.

One of the key notes of the meeting was the lack of promotion in recent years. One local, from Crianlarich, who attended the meeting explained how she never knew the bus was a hireable service until recent advertisements.

The committee spokesperson added: “The committee has, until the past couple of years, been run mainly by an older generation. Charlie has been reaching out to some of the younger generation for the past couple of years, which is how I got involved, to join the committee, as he explained at the EGM , the committee needs a whole new modern regime. It is slowly getting there now with the new committee members and chairman so we’re hoping the bus has a good future.

“The issue still remains that the bus still isn’t being used to the extent it was before Covid, meaning the bus has just been breaking even. The bus is now three years old and due maintenance checks this year. Due to its age it will start costing money if it’s not used, but with more promotions/advertising, hopefully that will change.”