Inverness operator D&E Coaches will be purchased by The Highland Council after agreement between the two parties for a sale of the entire shareholding in the business was reached.
The local authority says that the deal will allow it “to accelerate provision of public transport services in the area, achieve operational cost efficiencies, and reduce the risk of future cost increases.”
In 2022, The Highland Council established an in-house bus operation, citing ongoing cost increases for supported bus service and home-to-school contracts as the reason. In announcing the purchase of D&E Coaches it has reiterated that home-to-school “is a high-cost statutory function that has caused significant budget pressures in recent years.”
Completion of the deal is subject to due diligence and is expected to wrap up “in the near future.” A business-as-usual approach will be maintained, although further details will be announced at the time the sale is finished.
Speaking about the development, D&E Coaches owner and Managing Director Donald Mathieson says: “D&E Coaches has been in business for almost three decades and we feel as a family firm that we have taken the company as far as we can.
“Moving forward, we feel that the acquisition of D&E Coaches by The Highland Council is the best move for the company and everyone concerned, including our staff and customers. We are also pleased that the company will move into local authority/public ownership.”
Adds The Highland Council Vice-Convenor and Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Ken Gowans: “I am delighted that negotiations have reached this stage, and as we approach completion, I would like to reassure customers, staff and suppliers that the transition in ownership will be handled as smoothly as possible.
“Discussions continue with the company management team, and I am genuinely excited for future public transport opportunities in the Highlands as a result of the expansion of our service.”
