Forres Osprey Bus charity needs to double number of volunteer drivers to expand free service

A free community minibus service is looking to double its number of volunteer drivers to offer even more outings.

The Forres Osprey Bus charity formed in 1973 and continues to provide funded transport for groups in the Forres Academy catchment area - ideally, it required 10 drivers to cover excursions in its two buses.

New trust chairman, Jim King, confirmed it recently received two years of funding from National Lottery Awards for All Scotland for running costs - and to expand.

“The trust is doing well,” he said, “but we want new drivers to allow the smooth running of the service.

“Drivers get a sense of fulfilment and gratitude from the various groups they transport … And you never quite know where your next trip will be!”

The trust owns a diesel and an electric bus named Osprey and Thistle. Osprey has seating for 12 and is used for longer runs. Thistle has seating for 10 and a wheelchair. Both are kept in a secure area at Transition Town Forres on Bogton Road.

They provide transport mainly for people who are disadvantaged because of age, ill health, disability, financial or other reasons including North East Sensory Services and Forres Stroke Folks.

“We also offer local care home communities trips out,” added Jim.

Local sports teams, Forres Academy and The Gaff! youth club are also regular users.

Forres Osprey Bus recently appointed new trustees and had its IT systems upgraded via Lossie-based web designer, Digital Routes.

Prospective drivers require a minibus D1 annotated on their licence. Ideally they will be over 25 and under 70-years-old, with a clean driving licence.

Email info@forresospreybus.co.uk to register interest.

For more information, visit https://forresospreybus.co.uk/