Disruption to Highland Council School Transport - Update

23rd August 2017

Highland Council is reassuring all pupils, parents and carers this morning (23 August) that all school transport routes have been covered in Caithness and East Ross following the loss of the contractor Andrew's (Shetland) Ltd. who ceased trading last night (22 August).

Bill Alexander, Highland Council's Director of Care and Learning said: "This is wonderful work by our Transport colleagues and partners who swiftly managed to get replacement services up and running for this morning."

The Council warns however, that there may still be some gaps on public service routes.

In addition to the following routes being provided by Stagecoach:

• Lairg/Ardgay - Dornoch

• Delny, Newmore to Invergordon Academy, then Newmore Primary

• Tain Royal Academy Scotsburn, Lamington, Logiehill, Heathmount

• Golspie High Lairg, Rogart

• Thurso High School Bower, Bowermadden, Castletown, Murkle Bus

• Wick High School Gills, Huna, Canisbay (A836) to John o'Groats, Freswick, Keiss to Wick High.

Stagecoach is also covering the Achnairn - Lairg feeder route for Golspie High.

W D Mackay (Dornoch) will cover the following routes:

• Braelangwell, Culeave to Ardgay to meet Tain Royal Academy bus

• Migdale to meet Tain and Dornoch buses at Bonar Bridge, then Migdale to Bonar Bridge Primary, then Culrain, Syall to Gledfield Primary

• Achnairn to Lairg Primary

More information on replacement school bus timetables is on the council's website at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/18280/andrews_coaches_replacement_timetable

Highland Council again apologises for any inconvenience caused and gives assurance that we are doing everything we can to resolve this situation as swiftly as possible.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

Will Governments Override Local Councils to Build Wind Farms and Battery Storage? A Look at the UK’s Energy Shift

As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up.  Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.  

29/4/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Committee sets garage rates for year ahead

Garage rents in Caithness are set to increase by 10% for garage rent 2026/27 and 15% for garage sites, as agreed at the recent Caithness Area Committee (Monday 27 April).   There are currently 492 garages and garage sites across Caithness, 126 of which are currently void.  

28/4/2026 : Local Authority

Short Term Let Control Area In Badenoch and Strathspey Has Slowed More Properties Joining - See Highland Wide Tougher Rules

Early indications suggest that the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) for Badenoch and Strathspey has slowed the growth of secondary short-term lets across the area.   The STLCA for Ward 20, which covers Aviemore, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Dalwhinnie Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Newtonmore, has been in place for two years and was one of the first to be designated in Scotland.  

24/4/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council signs Memorandum of Understanding with Ukrainian region

The Highland Council has confirmed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration in Ukraine.   The MoU acknowledges bonds of friendship and common aims to promote knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage investment opportunities between the two regions.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Accessible Voting at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election – Support Available for Voters

As the Scottish Parliament Election approaches on Thursday 7 May 2026, we are ensuring that voting is accessible to voters.   Polling stations across the Highlands will be open from 7am to 10pm.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso provides feedback on £100 million investment plan

Consultation in Thurso has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings.   Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Housing Under Pressure: What the Latest Caithness Committee Report Really Tells Us

The latest Highland Council Caithness Committee Housing Management Performance Report (2025–26) offers a detailed snapshot of how social housing services are performing across the region.  On the surface, it is a routine governance update—tracking repairs, allocations, rent collection, and tenant satisfaction.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget Approved By Councillors In The Year To 31 March 2026

Councillors approved grant funding from ward discretionary funds in the year to 31 March 2026.  13 groups in each of the two wards received funding.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Workforce North: A Turning Point for the Highlands If We Get It Right

The Highland Council’s Workforce North initiative arrives at a critical moment for the Highlands.  On one side, the region is seeing unprecedented levels of investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and construction.  

22/4/2026 : Local Authority

Non Domestic Rates - Sector Specific Business Rates Relief – from 1 April 2026

Support for Highland businesses may be available.   Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief.