Pupils of a north-east secondary school were left with an assortment of minor injuries yesterday after their morning bus came off the road.
A local doctor, who was passing the scene, came to the aid of the Turriff Academy students after the accident.
He assessed the pupils and bus driver for concussion and other ailments but fortunately found nothing more than scratches and bruises.
A number of Turriff pupils were, however, taken home by their parents after the incident, which took place on the B9170 Turriff to Cuminestown road, at the Dalgety Woods turn-off, shortly after 8.40am.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman assured parents the school would provide support for the pupils involved.
He said: “A school bus transporting pupils to Turriff Academy went off the road yesterday morning.
“The police were called and pupils were assessed at the scene by doctors.
“Thankfully the majority of pupils were not injured.
“A number of pupils were taken to their homes by parents and carers. Some of them subsequently returned to school.
“Turriff Academy has made the parents of all pupils travelling on the bus aware of the accident.
“The parents will also receive a letter informing them of the next steps and support available.”
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said the accident highlighted the importance of seatbelts and road safety.
She said: “I am glad that no-one was seriously hurt in the incident which happened as pupils were travelling to Turriff Academy to begin their day at school.
“In 2017, my bill was passed to ensure that all school transport would be fitted with seatbelts.
“What happened is a stark reminder that we must encourage all pupils to make sure they’re wearing their seatbelts which could help protect them in the unlikely event an accident occurs.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed that officers had attended.
She said: “There were a few minor injuries but it appears that no-one was taken to hospital.
“The road was closed from 9.50am until the early afternoon to allow for the vehicle to be recovered.”
A spokesman for the ambulance service said the unit was not dispatched as there was a local doctor on the scene checking patients over.
David Duguid, Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan, added: “I was alarmed to hear about this incident and my thoughts are with all those involved.
“It is a relief to hear that no-one was seriously hurt.
“I am sure the bus operator and Aberdeenshire Council will be looking into exactly what happened.”
