Stagecoach has launched a new express bus service between Aberdeen and Inverness, reducing journey times from four hours 10 minutes to three hours 23.
The new M96 route will make limited stops, including Blackburn, Huntly, Keith, Elgin and Nairn, and run seven days per week and will be in addition to the established 10 service.
Four specially branded coaches were put into operation yesterday along the route named “The Gordon Highlander” in tribute to the historic local infantry regiment which operated for 200 years before being amalgamated in 1994.
Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director, David Beaton, says: “The new Gordon Highlander service further increases options for sustainable travel in the North of Scotland. Choosing to travel by bus is one of the easiest ways to address climate change through carbon reduction of our own journeys.
“We’re honoured to name the service after the Gordon Highlanders regiment, whose ranks formed part of the local communities we serve today.”
Continuing the armed forces theme, Stagecoach will provide free travel on its bus and tram services across the UK for military and ex-military personnel on Armed Forces Day (24 July).
Chief Executive of The Gordon Highlanders Museum, John McLeish, adds: “It has been a pleasure to work with Stagecoach in launching The Gordon Highlander service that runs through the heartland of traditional Regimental recruiting territory.
“We hope that this will inspire more people to re-connect with their family history and to visit our much-loved Museum here in Aberdeen.”
