GREENOCK-based bus operator McGill’s has announced it is to introduce new night  services in Glasgow due to planned cuts by a rival firm.

McGill’s Group, owned by brothers Sandy and James Easdale, has been in discussions with Glasgow City Council since First Bus announced it intends to pull a number of late night services from the city.

The company will operate an hourly service between 12.15am and 3.15am on Friday and Saturday across five key routes from the city centre.

The N3 will run to Shawlands, Thornliebank, Nitshill and Pollok, with the N4 passing through Shawlands, Eastwood and Newton Mearns.

Anniesland, Scotstoun and Clydebank will be serviced by the N6.

The N38 will cover the route through Ibrox to Paisley, and the N60 will run to Maryhill and Drumchapel.

Following discussions, First Bus has said it also plans to continue running four separate night bus routes between 12.45am and 3am on Friday and Saturday.

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Ralph Roberts, chief executive of McGill’s Group, said: “Buses are vital to the success of Glasgow and we’ve been striving to find a solution that serves the night-time economy, residents and visitors.

“We’re delighted to be announcing an initial five night-time bus routes that will be run by McGill’s serving the city.

“McGill’s Group has been in discussions with Glasgow businesses to understand the issues they have been facing with transport and we have also deployed our management and staff overnight to the city centre to examine what measures Glasgow City Council could take on roads and streets to help buses deliver a better service for passengers.

Greenock Telegraph:

“There will be a range of ticket options available on night-time services, including discounts for regular users and McGill’s ticket holders, and we will announce more details on that shortly.”

McGill’s confirmed it will run the night-time network on electric, zero-emission buses and said it hopes to build upon its initial provision to extend beyond two nights a week.

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Chairman James Easdale added: “From speaking to passengers and business owners, there is substantial concern regarding Glasgow city centre and its ability to attract people and investment in order that it can prosper for the next decade and beyond.

“McGill’s has listened and stepped up with these new services that we would hope to add to in future.

"However, for the Glasgow night-time economy to prosper, this cannot be seen as a ‘job done’ moment.

"Civic leaders need to ensure they are providing a long-term a strategy that encourages public transport use and makes it easier for operators such as ourselves to deliver better services for passengers.”