Oasis fans face travel misery amid Edinburgh strike action fears
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BUS drivers in Edinburgh are planning to go on strike at the same time as three massive Oasis gigs in the city.
Around 210,000 concertgoers are set to descend on the sold-out Murrayfield gigs on August 8, 9, and 12, alongside thousands of festivalgoers heading to the Fringe.
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Drivers at East Coast Buses are planning a week-long strike during the three Oasis gigs
While ScotRail bosses have boosted services with more frequent and late-night trains to key stations, bus travel could be thrown into turmoil.
Drivers at East Coast Buses are planning a week-long walkout starting next Friday, August 8, after rejecting a 10.3 per cent pay rise offered by the publicly owned subsidiary of Lothian Buses.
It comes after around 130 drivers voted for industrial action last month after turning down a two-year pay deal.
East Coast Buses, which operates routes between Tranent and Edinburgh's West End, confirmed the strike plans but said it is hoping to avoid disruption.
Operations Director Willie Hamilton said: 'We are extremely disappointed that despite continuing constructive and positive discussions with Unite that resulted in an overall offer of 10.3%, its members at East Coast Buses have now voted in support of industrial action.
'Over the last four years, we have continued to work with Unite, resulting in a 56% increase in hourly rates, which is further enhanced by significant improvements to terms and conditions.
'We remain absolutely committed to continuing to work with Unite in the hope of reaching a resolution and avoiding industrial action. I'd like to take this opportunity to reassure our customers that we are doing everything we can to avoid potential disruption to travel.
'We will provide more information on our website and social media channels when there is further news to share.'
Unite the Union has been contacted for comment.
We told previously how Fringe bosses blamed Oasis's sell-out Murrayfield megagigs for a massive slump in ticket sales.
Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll reveals real reason he was sacked from band
Festival promoters and venue operators fear that punters could be put off from attending the Fringe due to the unprecedented demand from music fans.
Bookings for the international comedy festival, which runs throughout August, were reportedly down by 35 per cent in June for some shows.
Meanwhile, prices for accommodation are sky-high with some city-centre hotels charging upwards of £800 a night over the period Oasis are in Edinburgh.
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