Munro’s cease trading
Munro’s of Jedburgh Ltd in the Scottish Borders has ceased trading. A statement on the company’s website said, ‘Please note that with effect from 22.45 hrs on Wednesday 3rd July 2013 Munro’s of Jedburgh Ltd have ceased trading and are no longer able to operate any scheduled services. Scottish Borders Council have made emergency arrangements to ensure that all services will continue to operate the current timetables with buses and drivers from other operators. We would like to thank all our passengers for their loyal support over the years.’
Nine bus routes were operated by Munro’s across the Scottish Borders, Midlothian and Northumberland. It also ran contractual and special hire services. The company’s history goes back to the mid-60s, when Jimmy Munro expanded his hire car operation into running coaches. Jimmy retired in 1998 and the business was sold to Ewan Farish and Donald Cameron, both previously Area Managers with FirstGroup. In 2000, they won contracts to operate the 29/30 (now 51/52) Jedburgh and Kelso to Edinburgh and the 65-68 Jedburgh and Kelso to Galashiels. This saw the firm take on 12 additional drivers and seven new buses. After some rapid growth, it took on its first commercially operated services in 2002 following the closure of First’s Hawick and Kelso depots. It became incorporated as a limited company in 2004. According to its website, it had a 40 strong fleet and employed over 60 people.
A number of temporary replacement operators have been put in place by the Scottish Borders Council to ensure the routes Munro’s operated continue while full time replacements are sought. Peter Hogg of Jedburgh is running Service 21 (Jedburgh town service) and 131 (Jedburgh to Newcastle); First is operating 51/52 (Jedburgh/Kelso to Edinburgh), 54 (Galashiels ASDA to Meigle Street), 61 (Galashiels, Earlston and Lauder) and 74 (Galashiels ASDA to Netherdale); Perryman’s has taken on 68 (Jedburgh to Galashiels) and 81 (Kelso to Morebattle/Yetholm) and SBC is running 80 (Kelso town service) and 83 (Kelso to Sprouston). Peter Hogg, First and Perryman’s are jointly operating some journeys on service 20 (Hawick – Jedburgh – Kelso).