Free Concessionary Fares Scheme

More than 20,000 Highland senior citizens and people with disabilities, who qualify for free concessionary travel in the Highlands, are being invited to register their interest in taking advantage of free bus travel throughout Scotland, with effect from 1 April next year.

The Scottish Executive, through its Improvement Service, is writing to everyone in Highland with a concessionary card over the next few weeks seeking verification of their details.

The first batch of letters arrived over the weekend and Council Service Points have been very busy dealing with enquiries from card holders as forms have to be verified by the Council or at a Post Office before being returned to the Improvement Service.

A Council spokesman said: "This is simply an exercise to have their data ready for the issue of their new card in March or April. The holders should retain and use their current cards in the meantime."

Card holders must take their existing cards with them when seeking verification at a Service Point or Post Office. As the new entitlement cards will be capable of being used for a wide range of council services, card holders may opt to allow their data to be shared with other Services to simplify any further applications.

New applicants will be able to apply for their travel cards in a later phase.