Communities stretching from Edinburgh to Dumfries are set to be “devastated” by the loss of an integral bus service.
The 101 and 102 service that runs between the town of Dumfries and Scotland’s capital and is operated by Stagecoach is set to be axed on Sunday August 14.
Edinburgh residents as well as those working and living in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway are said to be impacted by the decision.
READ MORE: Number of Edinburgh cyclists using bike lane falls after controversial changes
One man, Ian Reid, 58, who lives in East Linton, said that he feels it is unforgivable to cut the route with little warning or consultation with local residents.
He says that businesses will be devastated as they lose tourist trade from Edinburgh residents and that vulnerable rural community members will be cut off from the nation’s capital.
He adds that the bus service that has been “running forever” will be sorely missed by all those that have come to rely on it.
Ian said: “The bus service has been here forever and connects a major Scottish town and rural communities with the Scottish capital.
“It is the only direct transport route for a number of villages and towns spanning various local authorities.
“If there are going to be changes then you'd expect a long process that involves the communities this is impacting.
“A majority of us only found out last week through word of mouth and as a result we have had to mobilise quickly to try to oppose the move and find a solution.
“For there to be no formal notification or communication is abysmal.
“It has created great anxiety in the community. The bus leaving this morning at 9.00am was packed and all the people that rely on the route will be devastated by the move.
“A lot of people from Biggar, West Linton and further afield rely on the bus to go to work or to attend appointments at hospitals in Edinburgh.
“One man says he may have to hand in his notice in two weeks as it is the only way to get to work - people are going to lose their jobs.
“Others use it to travel to Penicuik in order to get their shopping whilst there are those that need the bus to get to the airport or train stations to see family and friends elsewhere.
“There is also the Steiner therapeutic community at Garvald, where people with learning difficulties rely on the bus to be able to have some independence, one individual needs the bus to get to their charity shop job in Penicuik.
“This will be heartbreaking for them.”
Ian adds that a lot of businesses along the route rely on day visitors from Edinburgh who enjoy taking the bus to destinations that allow for them to hike in the Pentlands.
This has a knock on effect where they will often fill out hotels, bars and restaurants - pumping money into the local economy.
He adds that there are a number of NHS workers that have become dependent on the route.
He says that an NHS worker had previously given up driving to work in order to help save the environment but will be forced back to driving into their key role.
Locals and politicians from across the divide have come together to try to oppose the decision and a “hastily organised” online meeting took place from representatives across the route in attendance on the evening of Sunday July 3.
There is cross party support and solidarity being shown with communities feeling as though the decision to axe the service is wrong.
Ian says that the loss of the route flies in the face of the environmental and cost of living crisis pledges that national governments have made at both the Scottish and UK level.
He said: “I’m not aligned to anything [political] in particular but through our concerns a campaign has started now and we need to get the message out there.
“There is a cost of living crisis at the moment, where folk cannot afford to use cars and the powers that be are taking away a lifeline.
“There is also a climate crisis where we have to reduce our dependence on cars and they are removing a lifeline bus service - it does not make sense.
“It is outrageous.
“We set up a petition on Saturday evening and within 36 hours the petition was approaching 4,000 signatures - that is like half a million in Edinburgh terms for communities of our size.
“There has been a revival of the ‘Stand Up For Our Buses’ campaign to better protect rural communities and their connections.
“We are not a radical militant group but just a collection of wee villages looking for support.
“But this will not just impact us - residents of Edinburgh will also lose out on the route that allows them to escape the city into more rural settings.
“People are sitting up and taking notice because it is chiming with what is happening in other rural communities across Scotland and the UK.
“We will hold a demonstration tomorrow across the A0702 - from Edinburgh all the way to Dumfries.
“If this service is removed it would have dire consequences for our rural communities, and particularly for the elderly and less mobile who depend on the bus to access shops and other vital services.”
Stagecoach who run the service were contacted for comment but stated that they are not responsible for the decision.
The service is understood to be tendered by SWESTrans Regional Transport Partnership, and that they have taken the decision to cancel the route.
SWESTrans have been contacted for comment.
You can support the campaign’s petition by clicking here.
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh Union Canal to see summer 'rum cruises' with doughnuts and cocktails
Incredible house near Edinburgh hits the market with huge indoor climbing wall
Edinburgh Four in a Bed star slammed by guests in row sparked over 'cup of tea'
Edinburgh Mary King's Close to offer spooky new gin tours for summer
Stunning East Lothian pad boasts adorable summer house and log burning stove
