Expanding bus group creates jobs

A BARRHEAD-BASED bus firm has created 26 jobs after launching new routes.

McGill's, one of the west of Scotland's biggest transport operators, has hired 19 bus drivers and seven depot staff.

The firm, owned by the Easdale family, added that it was now prepared for a "comprehensive redevelopment" of its main depot in Barrhead. Staff at the Muriel Street site total 105.

McGill's runs more than 130 buses across 40 routes from its two depots in Barrhead and Greenock. In November, it acquired smaller local rivals, Fairway Coaches and Travel Direct, for an undisclosed sum.

Colin Napier, area manager, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new recruits to our growing team at Barrhead."

Ralph Roberts, a former executive with Aviva, was appointed managing director of McGill's in June.