A new chapter in public transport across Caithness begins this April as Highland Council’s in-house bus service extends beyond Inverness for the very first time.
From Monday 21 April, the council will operate the 918 Wick to Berriedale route under its own banner.
This marks a milestone moment in the council’s ambition to provide consistent, community-focused bus services across the Highlands.
The 918 route had previously been in the hands of Aaron’s of Wick, but they stepped away from the service several months ago.
Stagecoach then temporarily took the reins to ensure no disruption for locals and visitors.
Council Leader Raymond Bremner praised Stagecoach for their swift support during the transition period.
He confirmed that the Highland Council team is now ready to take the wheel permanently.
He said the new service proves that the council’s in-house fleet can deliver real results for rural communities.
The 918 service will run five days a week and include stops at Thrumster, Ulbster, Lybster, Latheron, Latheronwheel, Dunbeath and Berriedale.
Two brand-new 73 plate Mercedes Tourismo coaches will cover the route.
Each coach comes with 57 seats, full seatbelts and meets accessibility standards.
The vehicles are also available for hire, with school and community groups already showing strong interest.
One confirmed booking will see pupils from the Canisbay and Castletown Primary Cluster travel to the Caithness Music Festival in June.
This expansion supports the council’s wider vision of dependable, affordable and locally operated bus travel.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said the move reflects a genuine commitment to serving rural Highland communities.
He added that regular, reliable transport links are vital for both local life and the wider visitor economy.
This is the council’s first step in offering in-house bus services to areas outside Inverness and it is unlikely to be the last.
A second council-run service for school pupils between Lybster and Wick will also begin on Tuesday 22 April.
Highland Council Buses are steadily becoming a fixture of daily life, bringing trusted transport back under local control.
It’s a boost for Caithness and a blueprint for the rest of the Highlands.
