First Scotland East SOLD

[jus363]

Just seen this

Acquisition by McGill's Bus Services
On 6 September 2022, it was announced that First Scotland East had been acquired by McGill's Bus Services. First Scotland East is to be rebranded McGill's Scotland East, also trading as McGill's Midland Bluebird and McGill's Eastern Scottish, and when completed on 19 September, the sale will result in the transfer of four depots, 550 employees and over 200 buses, as well as the Bright Bus Tours open top bus operation in Edinburgh, from the FirstGroup

[driver6540]

Probably the worst kept secret around. Rumour's have abounded from earlier this year that McGills were after FSE. It was only a matter of time before they took over. First will now concentrate their scottish operations entirely around Glasgow and Aberdeen, the only big surprise was the Balfron depot being included in the sale, as that could have been merged quite easily into First Glasgow's operations given it's location.

[MetrolineGA1511]

Sept 8, 2022 23:23:57 GMT 1 driver6540 said:

Probably the worst kept secret around. Rumour's have abounded from earlier this year that McGills were after FSE. It was only a matter of time before they took over. First will now concentrate their scottish operations entirely around Glasgow and Aberdeen, the only big surprise was the Balfron depot being included in the sale, as that could have been merged quite easily into First Glasgow's operations given it's location.

Admittedly Balfron had been part of Midland Bluebird, which may be why it was included in the sale.

Hopefully some good day tickets will be offered allowing for example Stirling to Gourock on the same ticket.