The Highland Council has received a national award after being recognised for its first ever Catch the Bus Month campaign in 2025.
Bus Users UK awarded the Council its Catch the Bus Month Local Authority Engagement Award, recognising the scale and impact of its involvement.
The Council was one of 376 official partners signed up to the campaign, which aims to promote the benefits of bus travel and encourage more people to choose buses for everyday journeys.
The campaign ran throughout September 2025 and focused on highlighting the role buses play in connecting communities, reducing congestion, and cutting emissions across the Highlands.
Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Ken Gowans, said the experience had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Taking part in Catch the Bus Month for the first time has been a very positive experience and we are delighted to receive such a positive endorsement of our campaign.
“During the month of September, we focused on highlighting the very important role buses play in connecting our communities, reducing traffic and emissions, and keeping life moving.
“I thank everyone who got onboard and helped make our campaign so successful.”
Facilities and Fleet Manager Paul Reid said the award reflected the commitment of staff and passengers alike.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award for our participation and outstanding contribution to Catch the Bus Month 2025.
“The award highlights the efforts, creativity, energy and commitment of our staff.
“I would like to thank them, and all our passengers, especially those who took up our special discount offer, for their support.”
The Council confirmed it plans to support the campaign again in 2026.
As part of the initiative, school pupils were invited to visit the Council’s in house bus depot to learn more about public transport operations.
A month long social media campaign was also delivered alongside a discounted 10 journey ticket offer for the Council’s in house bus service.
The Council also hosted a public awareness event in Inverness involving Bus Users UK and local operators including Stagecoach, CityLink, and D&E Coaches.
The event focused on the wider benefits of bus travel, including supporting the economy, reducing pollution, and improving health and wellbeing.
Lydia Horbury praised the campaign and those involved across the UK.
“Catch the Bus Month 2025 showed bus at its very best.
“These awards celebrate the energy, creativity and commitment of our partners across England, Scotland and Wales.
“I want to thank everyone who took part and helped make this year’s campaign such a powerful success.”
