GREENOCK bus firm McGill's has snapped up a firm in Lanarkshire as it goes back on the acquisition trail.

Scotland’s largest privately-owned public transport operator says it has acquired the stage carriage routes and vehicles of Coatbridge-based, McNairn Coaches, including JJ Travel, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will see McGill’s - owned by Greenock brothers Sandy and James Eadale- take over the operation of McNairn’s commercial routes. It says 'all impacted staff' will be offered continued employment with McGill’s.

Commenting on the deal, Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s, said: “I am delighted to have concluded this deal with John McNairn. John has operated services in Lanarkshire for many years, as did his father before him.

“The acquisition, our first in Lanarkshire since the opening of our Blantyre depot in March 2015, fits well with planned growth targets for our company’s development in Lanarkshire and beyond. The synergies with McGill’s existing operations in the local area are obvious and will give our customers even better value on our network tickets.”