£600k boost for Thurso bus depot
WORK is under way on a new £600,000 depot which is being built in Thurso for the Stagecoach bus company.
The facility, being constructed on the existing depot grounds, will provide new offices, a public reception and a workshop with state-of-the-art equipment.
Stagecoach in the Highlands managing director Steve Walker said: "The new depot will improve facilities and standards in the Caithness area and is expected to be completed in late September."
He added: "We are committed to providing quality public transport services throughout the Highlands and this investment in a new depot is just one of the developments in the area in recent years.
"Last year, we launched six brand-new coaches for the X99 route at a cost of around £1.5 million and in 2010 we introduced two new single-deck buses and brought in more modern buses to replace some of the local fleet."
Veda Swanson, operations manager for Stagecoach in Caithness, said: "I am delighted that we’ll be getting an upgraded depot for Thurso. The investment should improve the working environment for staff, including the rest room, upgraded office space and customer information area, and improve the engineering facilities."
The company operates about 30 vehicles in Caithness and employs 65 staff.
Meanwhile, a week-long programme of events, organised by the company to promote its green agenda comes to an end today (Friday).
Activities got under way on Monday and included a donation being made to Miller Academy in Thurso to enable the planting of shrubs in the playground. Company staff helped with the work. A cycle-to-work scheme was also launched at depots across the Highlands while special packs providing useful tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint were given to passengers on a number of local routes.
Stagecoach Group is currently in the third year of a five-year plan to reduce its own carbon footprint as a business.