UK’s largest independent bus group expands again

 
McGill’s was already the largest independent bus operator in the UK

 
First Bus has agreed to sell its First Scotland East business and all its routes in the region to McGill’s Group.

The sale, which will complete later this month, includes all First Bus depots in Livingston, Larbert, Bannockburn, Balfron, as well as the Edinburgh open-top bus operation Bright Bus Tours. It includes over 200 buses and approximately 550 staff.

“Everyone at McGill’s Group is excited about welcoming Scotland East into our stable and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group. “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 towards ensuring a smooth transition.”

Owned by businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, McGill’s was already the largest independent bus operator in the UK with a fleet of approximately 440 vehicles. This includes the Xplore Dundee business purchased from National Express Group in January 2021.

First Bus will retain a strong presence in Scotland with its long-established businesses in Greater Glasgow and Aberdeen.

McGill’s is an historic and trusted bus operator brand within Scotland and one we believe to be a safe pair of hands to take the Scotland East business forward successfully

“This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scotland business with significant investment in zero emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen,” said Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland.

“As we’ve seen from their successful purchase of Xplore Dundee in recent times, McGill’s is an historic and trusted bus operator brand within Scotland and one we believe to be a safe pair of hands to take the Scotland East business forward successfully.”

The newly-acquired business will operate as McGill’s Scotland East. McGill’s CEO Ralph Roberts said: “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.”

 
This story appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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