McGill’s Group has purchased West Lothian coach operator Prentice Westwood for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of McGill’s and the buyer expects that the brand will be retained following completion of the deal. It represents further growth of McGill’s coach operations, which already include scheduled services, private hire and the Loch Lomond Travel holiday division, which has seen rapid growth.
Speaking about the decision to sell, Prentice Westwood Director Robbie Prentice says: “We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise.
“Joining McGill’s Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of our business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK.
“The values and vision of McGill’s align closely with our own, and I am eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.”
McGill’s CEO Tony Williamson notes how the purchase further strengthens the group’s presence in central Scotland, which was bolstered in 2022 by purchase of the former First Scotland East bus operation.
“Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland, and we are very pleased to welcome it into the McGill’s Group,” he continues.
“During our discussions, I was impressed by its team, ethos and operational standards – all of which made this an easy decision.
“We believe that Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business.”
In addition to its core coach work, Prentice Westwood has a small local bus undertaking. Earlier in 2025, McGill’s Group Chairman Ralph Roberts outlined how the business, owned by brothers James and Sandy Easdale, is actively pursuing expansion opportunities both in the UK and further afield.
