STAGECOACH bus company, who run the services in and out of South Kessock, has been heavily criticised for cutting its services from three per hour to two, and even causing some people to give up evening work.

The changes have been described as “unacceptable” by residents of the eight streets in particular, the main complaint being that Routes 3 and 3a have gone and only Route 9 remains. And there is no service on a Sunday.

The 7.30pm is the latest bus, and that does not coincide with hospital visits, Merkinch Community Council heard at their February meeting. “Some people have even given up their evening work because of the changes,” said one member.

The company is being invited to send a representative to a meeting of Merkinch Community Council and local councillors are being asked to lobby for the resumption of the former level of service.

Chairman Ali Maclean said he was annoyed that there had been no consultation with the Community Council before such changes had been made.