Lockerbie-based Annandale Community Transport Services has purchased its first electric wheelchair-accessible community car.
Director and volunteer driver Erik Jensen was first behind the wheel on Tuesday and said the vehicle would help the residents of Annandale and Eskdale reduce local carbon emissions by travelling in a more environmentally way.
It adds to the fleet of four minibuses and four accessible community cars which the charity uses to also help those in outlying areas of Annandale and Eskdale who cannot get easy access to buses.
ACTS was awarded £30,885 from the Scottish Government’s Community Climate Asset Fund with additional cash provided by Muirhall Energy Ltd through the Crossdykes Initial Investment Fund, to buy it.
And it has been given a name – Fergie – in recognition of their recently retired chairman Willie Fergie and his contribution to ACTS over many years.
Erik said: “We are delighted to have received funding for our first electric vehicle in the fleet. The car will be used for accessible, affordable transport to hospital appointments both locally and at hospitals out of the region in Glasgow, Edinburgh, etc.”
Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful administer the CCAF on behalf of the Scottish Government and Chief Exectuive Officer Barry Fisher said: “We are committed to making Scotland clean, green and sustainable and through the Community Climate Asset Fund, we are delighted to support communities to tackle climate change and contribute to a green and just recovery from Covid-19.”
In addition, ACTS manager Janet Saunders said they would like to hear from anyone who could help the charity.
“Residents in Annandale and Eskdale requiring door-to-door transport or anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver should contact the office on 01576 203053 or email admin@actsbus.org.uk.”
