Stagecoach launch new faster service between Aberdeen and Inverness

• New express service between Aberdeen and Inverness, operating seven days a week
• 4 specially branded coaches will operate on the new M96 route
• Named in tribute to the historic local infantry regiment The Gordon Highlanders
• Stagecoach to provide free travel for all military and ex-military personnel and cadets on Armed Forces Day and Weekend

Four new specially branded coaches hit the road yesterday (Monday 12^th June), offering faster bus travel between Aberdeen and Inverness seven days a week. The vehicles will make limited stops along the route, including at Blackburn, Huntly, Keith, Elgin and Nairn.

The new service has been named ‘The Gordon Highlander’, in tribute to the historic local infantry regiment which operated for 200 years before being amalgamated in 1994.

Chief Executive of The Gordon Highlanders Museum, John McLeish, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Stagecoach in launching ‘The Gordon Highlander’ service that runs through the heartland of traditional Regimental recruiting territory.  We hope that this will inspire more people to re-connect with their family history and to visit our much-loved Museum here in Aberdeen.”

Major Grenville Irvine Fortescue DL, Chairman of The Gordon Highlanders Association, said “I’m delighted that Stagecoach has chosen to ‘fly the flag’ in memory of the Regiment and its very proud 200 year history.  I am sure that Gordon Highlanders throughout the North East will enjoy making use of the service on these special ‘Regimental’ coaches”

Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director, David Beaton, said: “The new Gordon Highlander service further increases options for sustainable travel in the North of Scotland. Choosing to travel by bus is one of the easiest ways to address climate change through carbon reduction of our own journeys. We’re honoured to name the service after the Gordon Highlanders regiment, whose ranks formed part of the local communities we serve today.”

As part of Stagecoach’s ongoing commitment to support the Armed Forces, it has confirmed that free travel will be available on all its bus and tram services across the UK for military and ex-military personnel on Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day – on Saturday 24 June - is a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Stagecoach bus companies across the UK are offering free travel on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June to serving personnel wearing their uniform, carrying a military ID card and to veterans carrying a medal or veteran’s badge.

Stagecoach also offers free bus and tram travel every year for veterans and military personnel on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The commitment to free travel for the Armed Forces is supported by Stagecoach’s employee led Veterans Network. The network was launched to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.

Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.