One of Scotland’s largest independent bus operators has warned it expects a legal battle over plans announced by First Minister John Swinney to bring the country’s bus network under greater public control.
Ralph Roberts, chairman of McGill’s Group, told BBC Radio Scotland’s Sunday Show on 18 October that he anticipated legal action following Swinney’s announcement at the SNP conference in Aberdeen the previous day.
Operator says court action is expected
Asked whether he expected legal proceedings, Roberts replied: “100 per cent.” He said the company’s owners were concerned that bus franchising could force an operator that had invested in routes and services to compete for the right to continue running them, potentially losing business to another bidder.
Roberts said the owners were prepared to pursue legal avenues to defend their business. This is a stated intention to challenge the plans: there is no confirmed new court case or judicial ruling against the proposed legislation.
What has Swinney proposed?
Speaking at the SNP conference on Saturday 17 October, Swinney pledged to bring Scotland’s bus network under public control by 2031 through franchising and regulation. The Scottish Government expects to bring forward legislation in 2027.
Franchising would allow public transport authorities to specify aspects of services, including routes and fares, and award operating contracts through competitive processes. It would not necessarily mean the Scottish Government taking ownership of private bus companies or their vehicles.
Scotland already has a statutory framework for bus franchising under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, with subsequent regulations and guidance. The precise effect of the newly promised legislation cannot be established until its provisions are published.
Scottish Government responds
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth defended the policy on Sunday, arguing that greater public involvement was needed to protect communities affected by withdrawn bus routes. She said ministers would work with operators, including McGill’s, and pointed to existing government support for concessionary travel and capped fares.
Gilruth also referred to political donations made by the Easdale brothers, who own McGill’s, to Labour. That observation does not establish that the company’s objections are politically motivated.
Dispute over private investment and passenger services
McGill’s argues that tendering could undermine the value of networks built with private investment. Ministers say stronger public control could improve the availability and coordination of services. The financial and operational consequences of any future scheme will depend on the detailed rules, procurement arrangements and funding.
The Scottish Government has separately announced an expansion of the £2 bus fare cap to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire from April 2027.
The disagreement now centres on the design of the promised reforms and whether operators will take legal action once proposals are developed.