Dundee-based Fishers Tours is due to cease operations on Friday (23 May 2025). The announcement is reported to have come at short notice.

The closure is reported to have left many customers concerned over future bookings and prompted concerns over essential service continuity.

Fishers Tours has an operating licence for 21 PCVs. The closure is reported to lead to over 20 jobs being lost.

In its 2024 accounts listed on Companies House, the operator had a pre-tax loss of £34,196, compared to a profit of £96,036 in the previous year.

The operator has yet to respond to B&CB’s request for more information. Its social media presence appears to be removed.

McGill’s steps in

McGill’s Group has said it is ready to step in to assist local councils, passengers and communities following the collapse of Fishers Tours. The company has opened dialogue with Fishers Tours and local authorities to ascertain whether it could assist in maintaining school transport routes and practical support to customers. It said discussions were also taking place on whether employees of Fishers Tours could be offered alternative employment by McGill’s Group.

Tony Williamson, CEO of McGill’s Group, said: “We were alerted to the collapse of Fishers Tours and we recognised immediately the critical importance of keeping school transport running – especially for the hundreds of young people and families who rely on these services every day.

“We’ve already mobilised teams and vehicles from across our network to be ready to support Dundee City and Angus Councils. Our operational staff have been incredible in rising to the challenge, and we’re working hard to make sure no pupil is left without a way to get to school.

“This is about more than just buses – it’s about public duty. McGill’s has always been there for local communities, and we’re proud to step up when it matters most.

“We’ll continue to work hand-in-hand with local councils for as long as necessary to provide stability, safety and peace of mind to parents and schools.

“We’re also entering into discussions with Fisher Tours regarding their team members, and the feasibility of interviews and alternative employment being offered by McGill’s. We know this has come as a huge shock to their team but we want to help if we can.”

In addition to its offer to safeguard school transport, McGill’s has said it will provide assistance to other customers affected by Fishers’ cancelled bookings for private hires, day trips and events.

Following discussions, McGill’s Group has already agreed to fulfil imminent bookings for Charleston Community Centre to Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire free of charge, due to the exceptional circumstances. The company added that it will also provide complimentary tickets to the community centre for its Big Bus Tour in Edinburgh.

“McGill’s is not acquiring Fishers Tours, but that doesn’t stop us from helping those who’ve been let down” – Tony Williamson, CEO of McGill’s Group

Mr Williamson added: “We’ve already had an upsurge in contact from customers who had booked trips to concerts, sporting events, and family gatherings.

“We’ve put extra resources in place to deal with these enquiries and try to map out a practical way forward for those affected.

“We realise these are not just bookings – they’re people’s plans, celebrations, and special moments. We’re treating every one of them with care.

“We are especially pleased to step in and fulfil bookings for Charleston Community Centre at no cost. As a small gesture, we’re also offering them a day out on our Big Bus Tour in Edinburgh.

“McGill’s is not acquiring Fishers Tours, but that doesn’t stop us from helping those who’ve been let down. Our focus is on stepping in where we’re needed and doing right by the communities we serve.”