GREENOCK-based McGill’s recently welcomed Scotland’s shadow transport minister to one of its depots to discuss investment in zero-emission buses and measures to increase the number of people using the mode of transport.

Graham Simpson visited the bus firm’s site in Johnstone, as well as observing its operation and speaking with customers and colleagues in Paisley.

Mr Simpson met with managing director Alex Hornby and other staff, with funding for the industry being a key topic of conversation.

In 2021/22, bus operators across the country shared £51million in Scottish government funding – delivering 79 per cent of public transport journeys.

Over the same period, rail transport received £1.4billion in funding for 16 per cent of public transport journeys.

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Measures to allow buses to travel more easily around towns and cities were also discussed during Mr Simpson’s visit.

The Conservative MSP said: “It was great to visit McGill's. We discussed a number of issues, not least the electrification of buses in Scotland.

“McGill's has more than 100 electric buses and Paisley has the greatest proportion of electric buses anywhere in Britain.

"We also discussed some of the funding issues which affect the industry.

“Thanks to Alex Hornby and the team for their time."

Greenock Telegraph:

Mr Hornby added: “We were pleased to welcome the Shadow Minster for Transport to our Johnstone depot and chat through the latest developments at McGill’s Group and on transport policy more generally.

“Buses are so important to Scotland’s communities and economy and it is vital that we as a company represent the views of the sector to Scotland’s policymakers.

“McGill’s has more than 100 electric buses across four depots and these zero-emission vehicles have been a huge hit with passengers over the last two years.

“We want to increase the number of people who leave the car keys at home and choose to use these buses and we’re glad to take the time to speak to Mr Simpson, as we do with other MSPs from across the political spectrum, to enable that to happen.”