Dundee travel firm closes 'out of the blue' after 20 years
The Dundee-based coach company, Fisher Tours, announced it will cease operating on Friday, with more than 20 staff members set to lose their jobs.
Drivers and mechanics were reportedly 'stunned' after they were informed on Monday morning about the decision.
Fishers Tours has several long-standing contracts with local councils, including transportation agreements to take pupils to and from schools in Dundee and Angus, and is one of the biggest private coach hire companies in the area.
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One employee told The Courier the decision was unfair as they said: 'This has come completely out of the blue.
'Everyone was stood on the yard completely shocked. We feel totally helpless.
'That's more than 20 drivers and mechanics who won't have jobs next week. How is that fair?
'There were a lot of jobs on the books, and these jobs have been cancelled for no real reason.
"Customers have been told at short notice buses were having 'technical issues'.
"They're having to make new arrangements with no time to do so.'
They added: 'What I do know is there are 20-plus drivers and mechanics ready to do what needs to be done, and buses that work and can do the work.
'We want to make sure the kids get to school.'
Along with school contracts Fishers Tours offer travel to other cities for events like concerts and football matches.
The travel firm had a turnover of around £2.3 million in 2024 and posted a pre-tax loss of £34,000, their latest accounts show. In 2023 they posted a profit of £96,000.
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: 'We have been aware of the situation and are currently looking at the details.'
A spokesperson for Angus Council said: 'We are aware of difficulties being experienced by one of our school transport bus providers, which relates to routes following schools – (primary schools) Monikie, Murroes, Birkhill; (high schools) Carnoustie, Monifieth and Webster's; and Forfar Academy.
'Firm assurances have been given to us that there will be no impact this week (Tuesday 20 May to Friday 23 May) and we are now urgently looking at alternative provision from Tuesday 27 May (Monday 26 May is an in-service day).
'We will be contacting those entitled to free home-to-school transport directly via the Group call system today and will update them again on Wednesday 28 May.
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'This will affect all users of these school transport services, including those who access the services by either paying a fare, or via the under-22 free travel scheme. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact these people directly.
'Our priority is to ensure the continuous provision of home to school transport and we will provide further updates as soon as they are available.
'Please monitor our dedicated school transport webpage which will detail the latest information.'
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