The driver of a north-east school bus that left the road leaving pupils with minor injuries has been suspended.
Children from Turriff Academy were left with scratches and bruises following the accident on Tuesday morning.
It happened on the B9170 Turriff to Cuminestown road, at the Dalgety Woods turn-off, shortly after 8.40am.
A local doctor, who was passing by, assessed the pupils and the bus driver for concussion, but there were no serious injuries. Some of the youngsters were taken home by their parents.
Police were called to the scene and the route was closed for few hours so the vehicle could be recovered.
Aberdeenshire Council said those involved would be offered support and a letter would be sent to parents outlining the next steps.
Now Stagecoach North Scotland have confirmed the driver behind the wheel has been “precautionary suspended” as part of their investigation.
A spokeswoman for the bus firm said the action was part of the company’s standard procedures.
She added a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident was underway.
The spokeswoman for Stagecoach North Scotland said: “Safety is our absolute priority and we are carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances of this incident.
“We assisted Police Scotland at the time of the incident to ensure all children were safe and we provided another bus to take the children to school.
“A few of the children were taken to hospital for precautionary checks at the time and we are glad to hear that they were released later the same day.”
North-east politicians spoke of their relief that nobody was seriously injured following the incident on Tuesday.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said the accident highlighted the importance of seat belts 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 seat belts.
“What happened is a stark reminder that we must encourage all pupils to make sure they’re wearing their seat belts which could help protect them in the unlikely event an accident occurs.”
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.”
