Portgordon pupils face two mile walk to school after council reject bus plea

The local authority stressed alternative travel options were available, including local bus services and free travel for under-22s, as well as walking and cycling routes.

Shewen said the current bus service left the village just after 07:45, arriving in Buckie just before 08:00, with school starting at 08:45.

School finishes at 15:40, with the bus to Portgordon at about 16:25.

“So it’s a long wait either side,” she said, adding that buses could be cancelled at short notice.

“Some children have said that they feel unsafe travelling to and from school because of the world that we live in today.

“It’s forcing parents that can drive and have transport to make that journey with their children.

“We are just so frustrated.”

Local Buckie councillor Sonya Warren, whose ward includes Portgordon, added: “Rural communities face different challenges.

“I want to thank everyone who signed the petition, attended meetings, shared their experiences and spoke up on behalf of local young people. We will continue to press for the concerns raised by the Portgordon community to be heard.”