Stagecoach launches new services between Inverness and Aberdeen
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A new express bus service between Inverness and Aberdeen has been started by Stagecoach.
The new service will operate seven days a week and it will run on the new M96 route. The service will make limited stops at Blackburn, Huntly, Keith, Elgin and Nairn and takes around three hours and 25 minutes.
The new service has been named The Gordon Highlander in tribute to the local infantry regiment that existed from 1881 to 1994, before it amalgamated with the The Queen's Own Highlanders to form The Highlanders.
John McLeish, chief executive of The Gordon Highlanders Museum, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Stagecoach in launching The Gordon Highlander service that runs through the heartland of traditional regimental recruiting territory. We hope that this will inspire more people to re-connect with their family history and to visit our much-loved museum here in Aberdeen.”
Stagecoach will also offer free travel to all military and ex-military personnel across the UK on Armed Forces Day (June 24) and on June 25.
To access the free travel, serving military personnel should wear their uniform and carry a military ID card. Veterans will be able to access the service by presenting a medal or veterans badge.
Major Grenville Irvine Fortescue DL, chairman of The Gordon Highlanders Association, said: “I’m delighted that Stagecoach has chosen to ‘fly the flag’ in memory of the regiment and its very proud 200-year history. I am sure that Gordon Highlanders throughout the north east will enjoy making use of the service on these special ‘regimental’ coaches.”
The new bus service will be made up of four coaches.
Stagecoach North Scotland managing director David Beaton said: "The new Gordon Highlander service further increases options for sustainable travel in the north of Scotland. Choosing to travel by bus is one of the easiest ways to address climate change through carbon reduction of our own journeys. We’re honoured to name the service after the Gordon Highlanders regiment, whose ranks formed part of the local communities we serve today.”
