Latest news with #McGill's
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Campaign and consultation launched by Livingston MP to improve bus services
Livingston Village, Addiewell, Longridge, Stoneyburn, Adambrae, and parts of Broxburn are all experiencing either reduced or non-existent services A campaign has been launched in a bid to improve the provision of bus services in West Lothian. The public transport campaign and a local consultation, focusing on bus services, has been set up by Gregor Poynton MP. The Livingston MP's constituency is served primarily by Lothian Country Buses, and he is calling on residents to get in touch, speak up, and share their experiences of local bus services or the lack of them in certain areas. The campaign aims to highlight where services are working and where urgent improvements are still needed. Lothian Country Buses took over a number of routes across West Lothian in 2023 following the withdrawal of McGill's, in a move that restored vital services to many communities that had previously lost regular bus access. However, while reliability has generally improved since the takeover, several areas remain underserved or excluded altogether from current routes. Communities such as Livingston Village, Addiewell, Longridge, Stoneyburn, Adambrae, and parts of Broxburn are all experiencing either reduced or non-existent bus services. In some areas, residents are left with only one bus per hour, or none at all, leading to residents feeling isolated and with growing concerns about access to essential services. The MP has already raised these issues directly with Lothian Country Buses and the Scottish Government. Launching the campaign and his new public transport survey on Facebook, he has committed to doing everything he can to support local residents and advocate for better transport provision across the constituency. The survey is designed to capture views from across the Livingston Constituency and provide evidence to support future discussions with local transport providers and government bodies. As part of the campaign, Gregor Poynton recently met with the Livingston Village Bus Campaign Group to listen to their concerns and sign their petition. He heard more about the frustration and sense of isolation felt by many residents, especially those without alternative means of transport. Gregor Poynton said: 'We know that public transport in many parts of the Livingston constituency is letting local people down. 'Bus routes that work for local people and which are reliable are critical to many people and it's an issue I hear time and time again on the doorstep. Local bus service should allow people to visit their GP, attend hospital appointments, see friends and family, or even just get to the shops, but in many places provision falls short of what's needed. 'When local services are cut or disappear entirely, people are left facing high taxi fares, increased isolation, or the growing cost of running a car, which simply isn't an option for everyone. 'I'm determined to ensure that everyone in the Livingston constituency has fair and equal access to reliable public transport. We must end the postcode lottery that currently exists, where some areas have a regular service and others are left behind. 'That's why it's so important that I hear directly from constituents. Your experiences will help shape the case I make to Lothian Buses and the Scottish Government. 'Please take a moment to complete my survey and share it with your family, friends and neighbours so that we can work to improve bus services across the Livingston constituency and West Lothian as a priority.' Constituents can take part in the survey on Facebook or contact the Livingston MP directly via email at or through his social media channels.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish billionaire brothers acquire historic bus company
Over the last month, I have covered the expansion, the performance and the concerns of the bus firm owned by former Rangers directors Sandy and James Easdale. The firm that describes itself as the UK's largest independent transport operator moved to take over 'one of Scotland's longest-established, family-run coach companies with more than 70 years of experience'. McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector. The deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group companies owned by the brothers. The brand is retained. (Image: McGill's) Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said the acquisition strengthens the company's offering in central Scotland and brings further expertise into the business. Mr Williamson said: 'Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland, and we are very pleased to welcome them into the McGill's Group. 'During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards - all of which made this an easy decision. 'We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business.' All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the McGill's Group, and it is anticipated the well-known brand will be retained following the completion of the deal. Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said the move was an exciting next step for the business and its staff. Mr Prentice said: 'We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise. 'Joining McGill's Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK. 'The values and vision of McGill's align closely with our own, and I'm eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.' I also exclusively revealed that McGill's has doubled its profits. READ MORE: The firm said: 'McGill's Bus Group is Britain's largest independently owned bus company and a pioneer in fleet decarbonisation, with over 110 zero emission electric buses. 'Our wide and diverse portfolio includes local, city, rural and interurban quality bus services across Scotland under the McGill's, Midland Bluebird, Xplore Dundee and BrightBus brands, as well as open-top hop on and hop off tours, airport connections, expansive coach touring and private hire. 'We are also a key strategic partner to global intercity coach brand Flixbus across the UK.' The new results cover the period from January 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023. It said turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m 'due to the full year impact of the business in Stirlingshire and the Lothians acquired through the acquisitions from First Group Plc'. McGill's also said: 'These businesses have added substantially to group revenue, fleet size and headcount and following a period of integration will contribute to future profitability. 'Operating profit increased from £720,000 to £1.88m.' I also had an exclusive interview with McGill's chairman Raph Roberts who outlined challenges around a new franchising model for bus services. He said: 'The publication this week of McGill's 2023 accounts told a story of a business that had weathered the Covid pandemic and through tight fiscal controls was in good shape. "Fast forwarding to 2025 the story is much the same – fiscal control, investment, consistency of service delivery and the Easdale brothers' belief that buses have a critical role to play in our economy. "That is only part of the story though." THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY Also this month, it was a mixed bag for the billionaire drinks family behind William Grand & Sons, who celebrated the completion of the acquisition of the Famous Grouse, the UK's best-selling blended whisky. However, the firm posted a drop in profits of nearly a third in new annual results. The Lanarkshire-based firm said revenue was down 6.5 per cent. It posted profit before tax of £388m, down 30 per cent, and turnover of £1.834 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. The company said: 'In a year marked by industry-wide challenges, the decline in revenue compared to 2023 is in line with market trends, including the continuation of significant destocking. 'The reduction in profit reflects both these market conditions but also continued investment in the company's brands and infrastructure, demonstrating confidence in the future of the spirits industry.'
The Herald Scotland
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Bus firm owned by former Rangers directors doubles profits
We revealed this week that McGill's, the 'largest independent bus firm in the UK', posted that the earnings rise was partly down to acquisitions. James and Sandy Easdale. (Image: Jeff Holmes/JSHPIX) The Greenock-based firm owned by billionaire brothers Sandy and James Easdale put forward results covering a 'wide and diverse portfolio'. The firm said: 'McGill's Bus Group is Britain's largest independently owned bus company and a pioneer in fleet decarbonisation, with over 110 zero emission electric buses.' Read the full exclusive story here ANALYSIS 📈 Why the case for a 'Scottish visa' just got stronger Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is sticking to his red lines on Brexit. (Image: PA) At times like these the dogmatic nature of politics must really frustrate people in business. While Sir Keir Starmer sticks to his Government's red lines on Europe – meaning there will be no return to the single market, no re-joining the customs union and no freedom of movement under his watch – the UK's economic prospects will continue to be constrained. This includes in Scotland, which of course voted resoundingly to remain in the European Union in the referendum of 2016, and has been living with the consequences since. But how long can the current state of affairs continue? Starmer has so far resisted calls from the Scottish Government to introduce a "Scottish visa" to help the country deal with the labour shortages it faces, but the issue is simply not going away. Read Scott Wright's analysis here SERIES: THE BARRAS REBORN 🍽️ How The Barras stealthily became Glasgow's most exciting foodie destination The Barras has slowly but surely evolved into one of the city's most exciting foodie destinations. (Image: Newsquest) Whelks, mussels and white sugar-coated doughnuts might well be what first come to mind when you picture food from The Barras Market in Glasgow. None of the above is wrong, with the Loch Fyne Shellfish Bar on London Road celebrating 65 years in business and Danny's Donuts still firing up their fryers every weekend. But elsewhere, thanks to a team who have invested time and effort into curating a line-up of street food vendors unlike any other, The Barras has slowly but surely evolved into one of the city's most exciting foodie destinations. As part of our Barras Reborn series, The Herald sat down with market manager Chris Butler to discuss the influx of independent culinary talent now based in the East End and how this contributes to the shifting identity of a 104-year-old cultural landmark. Read Sarah Campbell's article here AROUND THE GREENS ⛳ Coming soon to a club near you: Golf vending machines A mock-up of what the proposed vending machines might look like (Image: Newsquest) This article appears as part of Kristy Dorsey's Around the Greens series Officials at discount retailer Affordable Golf are sizing up plans to roll out vending machines at clubs across Scotland selling items such as balls and gloves to players who might otherwise be caught short.
The Herald Scotland
26-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Billionaire brothers say Scottish bus firm ‘in good shape'
However, McGill's Buses, the firm owned by former Rangers directors Sandy and James Easdale, raised concerns over plans to introduce a new bus franchising model. While the aim is to improve services, the firm said larger companies could win routes with "slick" bids without necessarily offering a better service. The firm has just released its latest accounts. (Image: McGill's) It comes after we exclusively reported the company's latest annual results, which showed turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m. Operating profit rose from £720,000 to £1.88m. Ralph Roberts, McGill's chairman, told this column: "The publication this week of McGill's 2023 accounts told a story of a business that had weathered the Covid pandemic and through tight fiscal controls was in good shape. "Fast forwarding to 2025 the story is much the same – fiscal control, investment, consistency of service delivery and the Easdale brothers' belief that buses have a critical role to play in our economy. "That is only part of the story though." He said the firm responded to 2021 calls for firms to opt for zero emission vehicles at a time "when the path out of Covid was unclear". Mr Roberts said: "The McGill's fleet was relatively young and there was no need to heavily invest but we knew that we had to lead by example and decarbonise if we were ever going to convince people that travelling by bus was a righteous choice. Financially, it was a tightrope. "The government gave grant funding for a small percentage of the capital amount, intended to narrow the gap between the price of a new diesel bus and a new EV bus. There were still a lot of unknowns though and it was a huge leap of faith." READ MORE: "All of this came at significant investment from Sandy and James. Under normal circumstances, that is a good news story. "Owners believing in their business, putting their hand deep into their pockets during troubled times and hopefully reaping the rewards for years to come with a strong business to pass onto future generations. "After all of the investment to build a very strong and stable business, the owners of McGill's now face the very real prospect of large multi-nationals coming in with slick seasoned bid teams and winning all the contracts." Transport Scotland, the government agency, said: 'Secondary legislation to enable bus franchising came into force on December 4, 2023. 'This enables local transport authorities to begin developing their preferred options for improving their local bus services. "Since then, we have laid all the regulations required to bring the franchising powers into full effect. This enables local transport authorities to develop local services franchises, where they consider it appropriate, to improve bus services in their local areas."
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Billionaire brothers' bus company profits more than double
Greenock-based McGill's Bus Service June results published at Companies House cover a 'wide and diverse portfolio'. The firm, owned by former Rangers directors Sandy and James Easdale, said: 'McGill's Bus Group is Britain's largest independently owned bus company and a pioneer in fleet decarbonisation, with over 110 zero emission electric buses. James and Sandy Easdale. (Image: Jeff Holmes/JSHPIX) 'Our wide and diverse portfolio includes local, city, rural and interurban quality bus services across Scotland under the McGill's, Midland Bluebird, Xplore Dundee and BrightBus brands, as well as open-top hop on and hop off tours, airport connections, expansive coach touring and private hire. 'We are also a key strategic partner to global intercity coach brand Flixbus across the UK.' The new results cover the period from January 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023. It said turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m 'due to the full year impact of the business in Stirlingshire and the Lothians acquired through the acquisitions from First Group Plc'. READ MORE: McGill's also said: 'These businesses have added substantially to group revenue, fleet size and headcount and following a period of integration will contribute to future profitability. 'Operating profit increased from £720,000 to £1.88m.' However, the firm also said: "Business recovery continued to be impacted by a slower than expected recovery from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic while passenger volumes continued to be impacted by consequent changing customer travel patterns and recreational activity.' It continued: 'The group prides itself on high-level customer service and invests heavily in new vehicles, people, skills and development. We have in-house driver training academies in Johnstone, [[Dundee]] and Falkirk and we work with the Prince's Trust on the 'Get Into Bus Engineering' scheme, to allow younger workers an opportunity to become engineers with McGill's. 'In 2022, McGill's Bus Group was named Public Transport Operator of the Year at the Scottish [[Transport]] Awards and was first runner-up in 2023. The company was awarded one Gold and three Silver accolades at UK Bus Awards in 2023.'
