WATCH: Inverness Taxis SafeKab app is the 'missing link' for staying safe on Inverness night out

Inverness Taxis' new SafeKab app is said to be the 'missing link' for staying safe on a night out in the Highlands.

The taxi app, which received huge support from local businesses at its official launch event last night, has a range of features that "you won't see anywhere else" to stay safe whilst travelling. This includes an emergency SOS button, being able to chose your taxi driver and see their past reviews, track your taxi, and share your location with family and friends.

The award-winning SafeKab app was created in response to concerns for women's safety in public spaces and while using transport. Staying safe while travelling is a regular concern for many women, particularly when the nights become darker, and if inhibitions are lowered after having a few drinks. Being able to share your location with loved ones means that they can be assured you have gotten home safe, by a trusted SafeKab taxi driver, or be alerted if something goes wrong.

Owner of Inverness Taxis, Gavin Johnston, has been in the business for over 30 years, and is the director of SafeKab. At the app's official launch, he said: "The main thing is that you have to make women feel safe when they are moving around, they shouldn't have to think about it. So we are hoping that the SafeKab app will address some of the problems ladies might have when they are getting a cab home or getting from one side of the city to the other. We hope it will help them feel comfortable when moving around.

"We want to give you the convenience, ease and safety of booking a cab. We have features on the app that you won't see anywhere else."

As well as their successful launch event at Bogbain Farm, Inverness Taxis also picked up a digital initiative award at the Highland Business Awards for the app. Alongside SafeKab, Inverness Taxis also launched SafeWalk, which is free addition to the SafeKab app, and allows family and friends to track your walk, and it has an SOS button for emergencies.

Don Lawson, owner of Johnny Foxes and Jimmy Badgers, and member of Inverness Pub Watch, said at the launch event: "One of the key objectives of Inverness Pub Watch is providing a safe environment for all our customers. However, our obligations and responsibilities cease when customer leaves the pub, so the missing link is the app. Its a great way to keep the safety aspect of an evening out in the city centre. We are promoting it with posters in our pub, all I'm doing it wholeheartedly supporting it from a licences trade perspective."

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry has also previously commended the app by saying: "I am very pleased to have SafeKab introduced to our community, a significant step forward in safeguarding the women in the Highlands. It is crucial for everyone to feel secure when returning home, and SafeKab serves as an essential tool in ensuring such security – a huge congratulations to Gavin and the team at Inverness Taxis for successfully taking the lead on this."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.