A community bus service which helps rural Moray residents travel around their environs has won a top national award.
The Dial M for Moray service was launched in 2007, and has gradually been replacing scheduled services, which were previously paid for by the council. across re.
Moray Council says that, as well as helping to reduce isolation in remote areas, the initiative has saved £170,000 in subsidy costs.
The local authority’s public transport manager, Donald Macrae, said: “In terms of offering a level of social care, our regular elderly customers can be monitored by staff and health services can be alerted if there are any concerns for them.
“The buses can also be used for the promotion of care options and health campaigns.
“Most recently, the original pilot project in Forres was expanded in response to customer demand for access to the new GP surgery.”
The initiative defeated 170 others of its kind across Scotland to scoop the Campbell Christie Public Service Reform award at a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament building.
Moray Council leader Stewart Cree added: “The customer is at the heart of this project.
“The council now delivers a superior service in-house at less cost, that is what I would call the Holy Grail of public sector ambition.”
Heldon and Laich councillor John Cowe and the council’s chief executive, Roddy Burns, attended the awards ceremony.