Championing Angus North & Mearns Bus Services

Angus North and Mearns is a beautiful constituency with some of the most scenic driving routes you’ll see in Scotland. Whether it’s taking in the stunning coastal views as you approach Stonehaven from Montrose or head up Glen Esk to Tarfside from Edzell, there’s a "wow factor" that is difficult to beat. The North-East of Scotland is a stunning place, and it’s even better viewed from the raised height of a bus.

A lot of us love driving. As an Approved Driving Instructor, I even teach people to drive, but far too many Angus North and Mearns residents are forced to own a car because our transport connectivity is just not good enough. Aberdeenshire and Angus Councils have both recently cut vital services that communities rely on. Is this acceptable? I will fight to ensure that rural buses are at the top of the agenda and that local councils are held to account on the decisions they take.

Many villages in Angus North and Mearns have little to no bus service, and those that do may only be available during the working week. The hugely positive impact of free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s in Scotland cannot be undermined by a slashing of bus routes and timetables. We have seen time and again how detrimental isolation is to our wellbeing, and I will not stand for this for my constituents. Access to education, work, healthcare, and socialising must simply be there for as many people as possible.

Disabled people and those on low incomes are disproportionately affected by the lack of public transport in rural communities. One of the most pronounced difficulties reported is accessing healthcare in a hospital setting, with people unable to attend vital appointments or else putting themselves under severe financial strain in order to do so. Book on demand A2B buses have their place, but are not open to everyone and require advance planning. Using taxis is also very cost prohibitive. Transport barriers in rural communities are impacting human rights, and we must find a solution to these problems.

The issue of ‘forced’ car ownership is particularly pronounced in rural areas. Where there is a lack of public transport, people can be forced into running a car even if it puts real pressure on their budget. With increasing fuel costs caused by volatile international players, these pressures are only growing for households in Angus North and Mearns. Local councils must act innovatively to increase public transport provision to support constituents during this cost-of-living crisis, making it genuinely accessible and practical for families in an uncertain time.

Furthermore, for Scotland to remain a leader in tackling the climate crisis, much more needs to be done to provide citizens with the ability to effectively use public transport and reduce their carbon footprint. The negative impact of cars on the environment cannot be overstated, but in many villages in Angus North and Mearns, the lack of public transport means there is simply no choice to be made.

Ember has been a game-changer on the A90, serving communities without access to the rail network, and the recent coastal service launch serving Angus North and Mearns is a step in the right direction. It is, however, not enough.

I will work with national and local policymakers to press for the modern, connected transport system our villages and towns deserve. With your two votes on 7th May, vote SNP to ensure that your voice on this issue is heard.

If elected, I will continue to relentlessly challenge these cuts to vital services for you.