Ullapool set to receive ‘experimental’ extra busses over summer holidays
Ullapool is set to receive extra busses from D&E Coaches over the summer holiday period as an “experimental service”.
In June 2023, Ullapool locals demanded better bus services between the village and Inverness, with many being forced to travel to Inverness or Dingwall for lifeline services.
There are only two public transport services from Ullapool to Inverness. The 961 Citylink bus, which during spring and summer is often fully booked with tourists days in advance, is also a connecting service with the Stornoway–Ullapool ferry, meaning it can be delayed for over an hour waiting for the Lewis ferry.
The other is D&E's 61 Ullapool to Inverness via Dingwall bus. Many people have reported difficulties with finding clear information about those bus timings. And following a change of contract, the bus only runs on school days.
However, after a year of calling for better services, the D&E 61 bus service will now continue through school holidays as an “experimental service”.
The service will continue to operate from Mondays to Thursdays on the same timings as during school terms.
David Summers of Highland Council said: “I have arranged with D&E Coaches to provide a service through the summer holidays on Mondays to Thursdays on the same timings as during school terms. This will be treated as an experimental service for this summer, and we will monitor the level of use made of it.”
In response to the news, some locals have already warned “use it lose it”.
Chairperson of Lochbroom Community Council, Topher Dawson said: “It is great news that this D&E bus service will continue during the summer holidays, because it allows locals to get in to Dingwall and Inverness for shopping and appointments even when the ferry bus is booked up.
“Well done to Tony Oulton of Lochbroom CC and David Summers of Highland Council.”
