There was good news on the public transport front last week when Swestrans announced daily bus services between Kirkcudbright and Borgue were to be doubled.
The trial move is designed to boost passenger numbers and improve connections for shopping trips and days out. At a time when budget cuts are biting deep it seems a bold move.
And if the 12-month trial proves to be successful there is every chance it will be extended.
Borgue bus services to be doubled in bid to boost passenger numbers
The buses depart on a loop route from Kirkcudbright at 8.10am, 12.10pm, 3.40pm and 5.10pm with stops at Borgue and Brighouse Bay along the way.
The initiative has been welcomed by Borgue Community Council – but what do staff at Kirkcudbright Primary School think?
P7 teacher Ruth Gordon said: “I think it’s a great idea. I have relatives who stay in Borgue and they have always had issues in getting to and from Kirkcudbright. A lot of the time they have had to rely on taxis.
Public meeting in Borgue to look at improving bus services
“It will be far handier for folk getting into Kirkcudbright to do their shopping and for appointments. It’s bound to benefit the local businesses as well.”
School secretary Joyce Eccles said: “It will help tourism and visitors get around the area. It will definitely help bring people to Kirkcudbright if they know there’s regular buses.
“We should all be using public transport more often, especially to get to places like Glasgow and Dumfries if you have a bus pass. This can only be a good thing.”
P6/7 teacher Robert McClune said: “It will definitely help people living in small villages to have the opportunity getting into town.
“It bucks the trend of public transport cuts and will help remote communities to access the services we have in the bigger towns.
“There’s a big tourism development almost complete outside Borgue and this will help local businesses if more folk use the bus.
Janitor Darren Toole said: “It is an excellent idea. It will give places like Borgue more opportunities to use the bus at certain times of the day. It will help old folk, especially those who can’t drive, to come into Kirkcudbright and get their messages.
