McGill’s to buy First Scotland East

First Bus has agreed to sell its First Scotland East business and all its routes in the region to McGill’s Group.

The sale, which will complete later in September, includes all First Bus depots in Livingston, Larbert, Bannockburn, Balfron, as well as the Edinburgh open-top bus operation Bright Bus Tours. It also includes over 200 buses which currently operate in the region by approximately 550 staff.

First Bus has a strong presence in Scotland and says it is concentrating on driving passenger recovery following the pandemic, alongside growth across both Aberdeen and Glasgow networks.

“This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scotland business with significant investment in zero emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen” – Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank our employees for their continued hard work to deliver the best experience possible for our customers across the First Scotland East business. We will be supporting them fully as they transfer to their new employer.

“This sale is part of a strategic refocusing of our Scotland business with significant investment in zero emission buses in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

“As we’ve seen from their successful purchase of Xplore Dundee in recent times, McGill’s is an historic and trusted bus operator brand within Scotland and one we believe to be a safe pair of hands to take the Scotland East business forward successfully.

“We will continue to operate our services as usual until the handover date, working closely with our local authority partners and demonstrating our commitment to our customers through the service we offer them.”

Picture captured by David Cole

McGill’s Group said it was committed to working with staff and local stakeholders to build the best bus service in the region. Owned by Scottish businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, McGill’s has invested heavily in its business and services, including the recent purchase of Xplore Dundee from National Express and its partnership with FlixBus.

“We’re pleased the opportunity has arisen to acquire the business” – James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group

James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “Everyone at McGill’s Group is excited about welcoming Scotland East into our stable and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our team are passionate about using our expertise to build the business in the years ahead so we can retain and attract new passengers across the region. We’re pleased the opportunity has arisen to acquire the business and we appreciate the efforts of First towards ensuring a smooth transition.”

“We firmly believe that we can combine the advantages of the McGill’s Group with unique local transport brands and we will be announcing further details on that post-completion” – Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Bus Group

Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Bus Group, said: “We would like to welcome all First Scotland East employees into the McGill’s family. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be engaging with our new colleagues for feedback and also listening to the views of local stakeholders as we seek to deliver the best bus service possible. We firmly believe that we can combine the advantages of the McGill’s Group with unique local transport brands and we will be announcing further details on that post-completion.”