D&E Coaches’ boss retires, council takes ownership

D&E Coaches’ Donald Mathieson is retiring and the ownership of the operation is going to The Highland Council.

Despite the new ownership, the Inverness-based operator’s original management team remains in place.

The company was formed in 1996 by Donald and his wife, Elizabeth. Operating from his home on Deveron Street, he laid the foundations for what would become D&E Coaches, the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland. In October 2002, D&E Coaches moved to a new purpose-built building at 39 Henderson Drive, becoming a Limited Company the following year.

“Starting out with just one bus and growing to a fleet of 60 is perhaps one of my proudest achievements” – Donald Mathieson

Donald said: “Starting out with just one bus and growing to a fleet of 60 is perhaps one of my proudest achievements. I’ll always cherish the early days when my dad helped with the books, typing out invoices with one finger on an old typewriter. Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Back then I didn’t have a fax machine. So when a big contract opportunity came along, I had to sprint to the BT shop on Academy Street to buy the cheapest machine so they could fax me over the details. Fortunately, we got the contract, so it was worth the panic!”

D&E went on to operate modern vehicles, including Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-deckers, suitable for a variety of work, including scheduled routes, private hire, and cruise ship shuttles; a £2.3 million investment in new coaches, as well as an investment in three Van Hool EX16Ms to meet increasing service demands. At the end of 2024, the company also trialled its first electric coach in a bid to support a more sustainable transport model in the Highlands.

D&E Coaches has also been a key player in Highland tourism, including setting up its city sightseeing tours under Donald’s guidance. The firm also introduced the Outlander Experience, aimed at fans of the television series.

Donald also focused on supporting the Highland community, in particular through supporting access to cultural experiences for young people. Each year, D&E Coaches transported over 200 schools to Eden Court Theatre’s festive pantomime, covering 9,000 miles each December to transport children to the theatre.

In 2023, the company also became the official transport service for the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, helping to make travel hassle-free, sustainable, and much easier for festival-goers.

Donald’s commitment to the community can be further demonstrated through his partnerships with local charities. Over the years, D&E Coaches contributed to numerous causes, including MFR Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas, helping disadvantaged children across the Highlands, and Held in Our Hearts’ Highland support hub, which offers vital counselling and peer support to grieving families. Donald has also been a long-time supporter of The Archie Foundation, an organisation dedicated to making a difference for children and families facing bereavement and healthcare challenges in the Highlands.

Strategic decision

The sale of D&E Coaches to The Highland Council is considered a strategic decision that ensures the continued provision of essential transport services and secures the future of the company’s dedicated employees. Donald will remain involved during the transition during a handover period.

“Building D&E Coaches has been a true privilege,” said Donald. “It means everything to me after my family. It’s been my life for the last 30 years and is, inevitably, my greatest achievement. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished and the positive impact we’ve had on the Highlands. This transition is a natural evolution, and I’m confident that The Highland Council will continue to uphold the values and commitment to service that have defined D&E Coaches for so many years.”

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