First Bus has sold its First Scotland East business - and all its routes in the area - to McGill’s Group.
The deal, which will complete later in September, includes all First Bus depots in Livingston, Larbert, Bannockburn and Balfron, as well as the Edinburgh open-top bus operation Bright Bus Tours.
It also includes all buses which currently operate in the region and approximately 550 staff.
First Bus will retain a presence in Scotland with its businesses in Aberdeen and Greater Glasgow.
Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland, said: “This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scottish businesses with significant investment in zero emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
“We’re pleased that McGill’s, which is a trusted Scottish bus operator brand, will take the Scotland East business forward and wish them every success.
“We will continue to operate our services as usual until the handover date, working closely with McGill’s and with our local authority partners, and continuing our commitment to our customers through the service we offer them.”
James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “Our team are passionate about using our expertise to build the business in the years ahead so we can retain and attract new passengers across the region.
“We’re pleased the opportunity has arisen to acquire the business and we appreciate the efforts of First Bus towards ensuring a smooth transition.”
Ralph Roberts, chief executive of McGill’s Bus Group, added: “In the weeks and months ahead, we will be engaging with our new colleagues for feedback and also listening to the views of local stakeholders as we seek to deliver the best bus service possible.
“We firmly believe that we can combine the advantages of the McGill’s Group with unique local transport brands and we will be announcing further details on that post-completion.”
Founded in 1936, McGill's has depots in Greenock, Inchinnan, Johnstone and Dundee. In late 2020, McGill’s purchased Xplore Dundee from National Express.
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