Highland Green MSP John Finnie takes up calls for more support for Scottish coach industry; boss of Inverness based D&E Coaches says industry is struggling to survive in the wake of coronavirus
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Worries about the future of the Scottish coach industry have been taken up by a Highland MSP weeks after a city firm spoke out about its own struggle for survival.
Green MSP John Finnie has written to the Scottish Government to see what additional support can be made available for the sector.
In a letter to transport secretary Michael Matheson, he outlines the vital role the coach industry plays in supporting other sectors such as tourism, as well as supporting the wider public transport system.
He said: “The current difficulties of the coronavirus crisis have affected all sectors of our economy, and some are feeling this acutely.
“The coach industry is a vital cog in many parts of our economy.
“It underpins our tourism industries, it helps our children get to school and oftentimes it is there providing transport when other parts of our transport network fail.
“It is vital that when this crisis is over our coach industry remains in a position to continue that role and I hope that there may be some additional support that can help the industry survive this crisis.”
Donald Mathieson, founder and manager of Inverness-based D&E Coaches previously told the Courier of his fears for his own and many other similar businesses whose trade has simply melted away for the foreseeable future thanks to coronavirus.
”We’re extremely grateful to Mr Finnie for his supportive efforts at a time when the Scottish Government doesn’t seem to be taking on board the plight of the coach hire sector,” he said.
“I hope the Scottish transport minister listens, and begins to appreciate the vital service which is in danger.
“I can’t see any significant tourism numbers in the Highlands this year.
“Operators like ourselves have emerged from the usual lean winter period ready to have that balanced by a busy summer, but our full workload of bookings has been wiped out by the virus and, if the visitor season ends with limited income, then it will be extremely challenging for local companies like ours.”
He added: “We have paid significant income tax and national insurance contributions, and the sector needs some help now to get us through this difficult period.”
Related article: Inverness coach hire firm D&E Coaches says urgent help is needed to save family firms
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