New Collaboration Model For The Wee Ferintosh Bus

Issued in partnership with Communities in Motion and The Highland Council

 

Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

From Monday 2 December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com

ENDS

Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

From Monday 2nd December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com