Billionaire brothers Sandy and James Easdale are set to invest £10m to expand the partnership between McGill’s Buses and international coach operator FlixBus.
The McGill’s owners’ outlay will see 18 new Volvo buses added to the McGill’s fleet, which operates on FlixBus network.
The partnership was its first foray into long-distance coach travel when it launched in 2021.
Among the key routes are coaches running between Glasgow/Edinburgh to London, a network connecting Scotland’s cities, as well as services south to Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester and Leeds.
The routes for the new vehicles will be unveiled later in 2023.
Sandy Easdale said: “Our partnership with FlixBus has been a resounding success for both parties and there was a clear determination to build on the successful service that has already been established.
“Between our FlixBus partnership, our purchase of Xplore Dundee and our acquisition of the Scotland East business from First Bus, we are firm in our desire to keep building the McGill’s Buses business and brand.”
James Easdale added: “Last summer, the wider FlixBus group carried 34 million passengers over its summer season and McGill’s wants to be an integral part in growing that even further as FlixBus expands its UK services in the coming years.
“Sandy and I are continuously looking for opportunities to invest, whether that be through McGill’s or our property and manufacturing interests, and whilst the economic outlook is looking more challenging, we still believe 2023 and 2024 will bring openings to create jobs and growth within our businesses.”
Founded in 1936, McGill's has depots in Greenock, Inchinnan, Johnstone, Dundee, Larbert, Bannockburn, Balfron and Livingston.
In late 2020, McGill’s purchased Xplore Dundee from National Express, and in September 2022, it acquired First Scotland East and Bright Bus Tours.
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