Protestors turned out with a 300-strong petition and placards in an attempt to save Moray’s bus services yesterday.
More than 100 people turned up to plead their case with Stagecoach at the St Giles’ Centre in Elgin.
Security guards kept a watching brief as campaigners waving placards spilled out into the corridor of the shopping centre.
Residents from Findhorn and Kinloss handed over a petition calling on the 36 route from the villages to Forres to be retained.
Meanwhile Elgin locals voiced concerns about the withdrawal of the 33 between Lesmurdie Road to Newmill Road.
Findhorn resident Rosina Buchan said: “This is going to leave me completely isolated. I don’t know how I’m going to get into Forres if the bus goes.
“I love living in Findhorn but I don’t want to feel like I’m isolated. I’ve stayed there for 43 years but I might have to move. It’s heartbreaking.”
Calls have been made for Stagecoach to step back from making the changes, which are subject to a consultation, until an impact assessment has been done on passengers.
Regular users of the services have also criticised the firm for using vehicles unsuitable for narrow residential streets and disabled passengers.
Bishopmill resident Jim Rooney said: “It seems to me that the decision has already been made up. It would be nice if they just rolled over and kept them but it’s not going to happen.
“All we could do is show them just how unhappy we are about this and that’s exactly what we have done.”
Changes have also been proposed to the 11, 30, 31 and 32 services in Moray.
Yesterday Stagecoach’s operations manager for Moray, Craig Woodall, admitted he had been braced for a hostile reception.
He said: “We are a commercial operation and unfortunately some commercial decisions have to be made – some of these routes have been running at a loss for some time.
“With regards to vehicles, it comes down to availability. Due to maintenance and other issues we sometimes have a shortage. I would rather have a larger bus go out than no bus at all.”
MSPs Douglas Ross and Richard Lochhead have pledged to do what they can to encourage Stagecoach to retain the services.
Mr Ross said: “The response from local people has been unequivocal – these are vital services that must be retained.”
Mr Lochhead added: “Solutions must be found to keep these services in place and no service should be withdrawn until other companies take over the routes.”
Views can be submitted to the timetable consultation until Friday by e-mailing nscotmarketing@stagecoachbus.com
