Portmahomack - Tain bus service pilot extension sparks fresh Easter Ross community appeal
A PILOT two-day-a-week bus service set up after the plug was pulled on a local link between Portmahomack and Tain in Easter Ross is to be extended.
The Ross-shire Journal last week threw the spotlight on a local campaign pressing for the return of a previous service between the communities.
We highlighted the case of a local teenager keen to take up part-time work in Tain but unable to because of the lack of a regular service.
Scores of other people have appealed for a rethink, pointing to difficulties in getting to medical appointments in Tain.
Tarbat Community Council has outlined its concerns in a detailed letter to Transport Scotland.
Local pupils attending Tain Royal Academy have also pointed out they are denied after-school and social opportunities because of the very irregular connections now.
Highland Council asked for comment said it would be assessing the response to a replacement two-day a week service due to come to an end next week.
This week, it said it will be extending a trial of that service.
The 416A pilot service has been operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays since the 3 month trial started in July, and was due to draw to a close at the end of this week. Following discussions with Ward Councillors and the Council’s transport team, the current trial has been extended until January 2026.
Paul Reid, The Highland Council’s Chief Officer for Facilities, Fleet & Transport said: "The pilot is still currently running and will be until January 2026.
“We have given a commitment to local members that during this time we will work with the local community council to establish demand and look to develop a service early 2026 that strives to meet the needs of the community.”
The current timetable will remain in place.
The first bus of the day departs from Main Street Portmahomack at 9:40, stopping at Tarrel 9:45am and Shore Road in Inver at 09:51 before arriving in Tain at 10.00am. Another two journeys from Portmahomack depart at 13:40 and 17:40.
The two return journeys each Tuesday and Thursday from Tain to Portmahomack depart at 13:15 and 17:15.
Speaking in a personal capaicty, Tarbat Community Council vice-chairman Hamish Mackenzie said: “I think that the local community will welcome the decision to extend the pilot scheme until January rather than to terminate it in October.
“But a two days a week, off-peak service does not meet our social needs, and the sooner a full daily service can be restored the better. I know that my colleagues on Tarbat Community Council will be keen to engage with the Highland Council on developing a service which meets the needs of the community."
Transport Scotland was approached for comment on the letter written by the community council appealing for help.
A spokesman said: “Transport Scotland recognises the value of local bus services to communities. In 2025-26, we increased funding for bus services and concessionary travel from £430 million in 2024/25 to almost £465 million.
“This includes almost £50 million to support current bus services so that operators can continue providing access to affordable transport through the Network Support Grant.
“We want all local transport authorities to be able to improve all of the bus services within their areas. Through legislation, we have given local authorities powers on partnership working, franchising and to run their own bus services. Our approach enables local transport authorities to determine what is best to address any transport challenges in their local areas.”
Under the Transport Act 1985, local authorities have a duty to identify where there is a social need for particular bus services and can subsidise these at their discretion.
This procedure allows local transport authorities to influence the frequency, routing of services or vehicle types used locally to support their communities.
Funding to local authorities for bus service provision is included in the General Revenue Grant, with responsibility for decisions on how best to deliver services in communities resting with locally elected representatives. This is a matter where Scottish Ministers have no influence, and decisions made are entirely a matter for the local authority to consider and action.