Durness bus company wins award for 'outstanding service' to rural communities
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The directors of a far north bus company have received an award for providing an outstanding transport service to rural communities.
Neil and Sarah Fuller, directors of The Durness Bus Ltd, have scooped a Scottish Rural and Island Transport Community (SRITC) award.
The small company, which runs scheduled services across the far north with routes between Durness and Lairg, Inverness, Thurso and Lochinver, was nominated for its “friendly and helpful service to passengers”.
Bus drivers were said to give a personal service to customers, often delivering passengers with limited mobility to their front door and then assisting with carrying shopping over the threshold.
The SRITC award was delivered to the Fullers’ office base in Durness by courier on one of their own bus services!
Michael Willmot, who with his wife Jenny travelled the North Coast 500 Tourism route by public transport to promote "slow tourism", experienced for themselves the exceptional service offered by Durness Bus.
“We were struck by the friendliness of the drivers and the willing assistance they gave to any passenger who needed help with boarding the bus or with lifting luggage, often making small detours to deliver people to their front doors,” said Mr Willmot.
SRITC founder Jenny Milne said: “Our awards aim to recognise individuals who contribute to the maintenance and improvement of transport services in rural areas.
“SRITC acknowledges the challenging circumstances faced by those dedicated to providing transport services in isolated settings, where they often serve as a lifeline and crucial social contact for residents with limited transportation options.”
SRITC plays an active role in helping to shape rural and islands transport policy at a national level. For more information, visit https://ruralmobility.scot
