Updates

Coronavirus COVID-19

TIMETABLE CHANGES FROM THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020

Following careful consideration, analysis and discussions with Highland Council, the following changes to timetables will be made from tomorrow morning:

N46 / N47 Normal timings until 08:30 where it will run hourly on the half hour from Corpach Annat Point. Timings will be slightly different as the bus will serve both Claggan and Inverlochy Square from 08:22. There will be no 22:00 from Corpach.

N44 Fort William to Kinlochleven - No 'Late Run'. The last bus to KInlochleven from Fort William will be at 17:30 and last bus from Kinlochleven to Fort William will be 18:30. 

506 Kilchoan to Fort William - Now only running on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.

502 Acharacle to Fort William - 07:10am service, now only running on Tuesday and Thursdays return at 15:40.

503 Acharacle to Fort William - 11:00am service continuing to operate on Thursday and Saturdays return at 15:30.

An amended N46/N47 timetable has been drawn up and can be found below. 

With effect from Monday 30th  March 2020

500 Mallaig - Fort William = Reduced Service:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday = 0850 Mallaig to Fort William. 1325 Fort William to Mallaig. 1545 Mallaig to Fort William. 1740 Fort William to Mallaig.

Tuesdays and Thursdays = 0850 Fort William to Mallaig. 1100 Mallaig to Fort William.

Saturday = 1100 Mallaig to Fort William. 1530 Fort William to Mallaig.

501 Mallaig Local Service - Running as per School Holiday timetable. 

Update 24  March 2020:

The safety of our customers, staff and community is of paramount importance. Like many businesses and public service providers we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak and taking guidance from both the Scottish and UK Government and Highland Council.

We would like to update you on the number of actions we are taking (and planning to implement) to keep you safe whilst travelling by bus as well as the measures you should be taking to keep yourself safe during this unprecedented time. We hope you find the following useful.

Is public transport restricted?
No. At this time there are no restriction to public transport. However it is advised to practive Social Distancing and only travel if absolutely necessary. 

Are you operating a normal service?
No. Due to school closures we are running our services as per School Holiday (SH) timings. Please see below  update on 19 March 2020. We are also looking to reduce our timings which may happen imminently. Our priority now is to make sure Key Workers and those that must travel (as per Government's advice last night) are able to do so safely and effectively. We are constantly monitoring this and being advised by Local Authority and the Government. 

What are you doing to keep your drivers and customers safe?
Prior to COVID-19 we had a robust cleaning programme in place. This has been increased with a key focus on high usage areas such as drivers cab area, hand poles, assistance rails and seat heads. We are ensuring that our buses are thouroughly deep cleaned daily and high usage areas are being disinfected between services. 

Our drivers have been given bacterial wipes and disinfectant spray to reinforce cleanliness in those high usage areas. Drivers will also have the choice to wear disposable gloves and have been given hand sanitizer. 

Will there be hand sanitisers on bus?
We have installed hand sanitizers on various service buses for our customers use. 

As well as intensifying our cleaning programme we are reinforcing the government and public health advice on regularly washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

What should I do as a customer?

We continue to strongly advise you to use our Contactless facility where present on our services and if possible.

Please consider if your travel is necessary. We are continuing to provide a service for Key Workers and those that must travel (in line with yesterday’s government advice).

Please try to practice Social Distancing on our buses and in bus stops.

We would also ask for you to be mindful of the government and health advice to protect yourself and others from the virus. For more information visit the NHS Scotland website or Scot Gov. 

We hope this information gives confidence and reassurance we are doing everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus.

We appreciate that these are very difficult times and thank you for your understanding. 

Stay safe.

UPDATE 19 MARCH 2020

Following the Scottish Government's decision to close schools and discussions with the Highland Council the decision has been made to run many of our services to School Holiday (SH) timings from Monday 23rd March 2020 until further notice. Please see below the services which will be affected. We wish all of the school pupils and teachers that use these services well in these trying times. 

Please see alterations to services with effect from Monday 23^rd March

• 507 – Lochaline- Fort William

Operating only on SH timetable, Tues & Thur only

• 522 – Treslaig – Fort William

Operating only on SH timetable, Tues & Thur only

• 503 – Kinlochmoirdart – APS

Not operating until further notice

• 950 - 951 – Ardnamurchan Youth Club

Not operating until further notice

• 408 – Mingarry – AHS –

             Not operating until further notice

• 528 – Treslaig – AHS –  

             Not operating until further notice

• St Brides –

             Not operating until further notice

•  N44        Kinlochleven – Fort William

              Operating on SH Timetable

• N41        Roy Bridge/Spean

        Operating on SH Timetable

• 512B – Ballachulish – LHS

  Not operating until further notice

• N43 Gairlochy – Achnacarry – BSGL

               Not operating until further notice

• 521 – Upper Achintore – BSGL

 Not operating until further notice

• 145,146,147,148,149 – LHS School Services

              Not operating until further notice

• Roy Bridge to Spean Bridge Primary School

Not operating until further notice

For Highland Council School Holiday dates please click this link.  Please keep checking back as the dates are subject to change. 

Services to Inverness, Glasgow and Skye from and to Fort William are run by Scottish Citylink. Please see their website here for timetables, bookings, lost property and any other queries. 

Shiel Buses do not take bookings for services, however, you can pre-book tickets for the 500 Mallaig to Fort William through www.citylink.co.uk We would advise any passengers wishing to travel on this service from April to October to pre-book to ensure a seat.  Please note; Explorer Passes entitle you to a 50% discount on the 500 service.