A BORDERS MSP has raised the issue of the withdrawal of First Bus from the Borders and Midlothian at First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood.

Following the announcement on Wednesday (March  that First Scotland East would be leaving the Borders and Midlothian, with West Coast Motors – who own Perryman’s, stepping in from Saturday, March 25, MSP Christine Grahame secured a commitment from the Government to local bus services in the region.

Ms Grahame had an early meeting with the management of First and has also spoke to the Commercial Operations Manager of West Coast Motors, who reiterated a commitment to jobs, pay and conditions of staff under TUPE arrangements.

She has also written to the Transport Minister. However, Ms Grahame also sought and received commitments from the Scottish Government that it would monitor the transition and take steps to support the network in the future.

Commenting after First Minister’s Question Time, Ms Grahame said: “I asked John Swinney, Depute First Minister, what assurances the Scottish Government could give to my constituents – passengers and employees – about our vital rural bus services and the 113 jobs that First currently provide.

“The Depute First Minister assured me that the Scottish Government are already engaging with the bus operators and the local Councils and that the Transport Minister Humza Yousaf himself will be in touch with First again next week regarding the transition.

"Mr Swinney also said that there would be a public consultation later this year on the forthcoming Transport Bill, which I would encourage my constituents to respond to via the Scottish Government website www.gov.scot. That consultation will help shape the Transport Bill and strengthen the place of rural bus services."

Meanwhile, Scottish Borders Council is also aware of the discussions between First Scotland East and West Coast Motors regarding the purchase of First’s operations in the Borders.

After discussions with both operators this week, SBC announced that they are confident that, should the purchase go ahead, the existing level of services for passengers will be maintained in the short term. 

The Council already works alongside West Coast Motors, and its Perryman's Buses business, after the company took on a number of First services in the Borders last year, which they are operating. 

SBC welcomed the assurances given by First that all jobs, pay and conditions will be protected, with staff transferring to West Coast Motors if the sale is completed.

The local authority have said they will work closely with both companies during any transition period and will continue its partnership with West Coast Motors to deliver improved services in the longer term, whatever the outcome of the current negotiations.