Scotland's largest independ-ent bus and coach company has announced a major expansion which will see it provide vital
services on Orkney and Shetland, while guaranteeing no local job losses.
Rapsons Coaches, which operates services across the Highlands and Islands from its Inverness base, yesterday announced the acquisition of the Shetland-based company Shalders Coaches, which has a staff of 55, a fleet of 40 vehicles and a #1.2m annual turnover.
The move brings Rapsons Coaches fleet to more than 200, increasing its workforce to over 300 and raising its yearly turnover above #8m.
Two of Shalders' directors, Andrew Morrison and Alan Young, will manage operations.
Customers will benefit as
Rapsons brings new low-floor access buses into service, complementing Shetland Council's policy to introduce such vehicles on local service contracts for the islands.
Rapsons' key aim is to enhance the quality of service to customers and the company is eager to discuss entering a Quality Partnership with the local authority.
Managing director Freda
Rapson said: ''This expansion into Orkney and Shetland fits very well with our company portfolio. We already operate bus and coach services in Portree, Fort William, Aviemore and Thurso, as well as Inverness and Nairn.''
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