Council-owned bus firm takes over Stagecoach services in Caithness

D&E Coaches will run Thurso and Wick routes from 19 October, with all 26 staff transferring and no redundancies.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of an unbranded bus at a coastal depot. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

Highland Council-owned D&E Coaches has confirmed it is acquiring Stagecoach’s Thurso and Wick operation, the council said on 1 October.

Jobs protected

All 26 employees, 20 drivers and six maintenance staff, will transfer under TUPE arrangements. The deal includes the existing fleet, depot and facilities.

Services continue

Public bus routes, school transport, private hire contracts and Dounreay services will continue under the new operator from 19 October.

Public ownership

The council said the purchase is part of a wider strategy to expand its publicly owned bus network, reduce long-term transport costs and protect rural routes. Council leader Raymond Bremner called it very positive news for Caithness.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on Highland Council, published 1 October 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.