Our rural location means that transport is a vital part of our provision for residents and day participants and a significant part of our core expenditure. We have three minibuses that do everything from taking people on trips to go hill walking and swimming, to House and Workshop journeys and Community days out. The high level of usage means the minibuses are always being maintained, and eventually after many years reach a point where economically they need to be retired.

Two of our minibuses had to be replaced recently, and we were delighted to receive the support of several grant making trusts and a legacy donation that allowed us to do that. To go with our existing 8-passenger seat Volkswagen minibus, we have purchased two second-hand buses: an 11-passenger seat Ford Transit minibus, and a 13-passenger seat Peugeot Boxer Minibus Lite with electric wheelchair lift and space to carry one wheelchair.

The Minibus Lite is a significant classification allowing it to be driven by anyone with a regular car licence, which maximises the number of potential drivers within the community. We are delighted to have the use of these excellent additions to our transport options.

Whether it is a trip to theatre, cinema, hillwalking or a workshop outing, our minibuses are vital. Today, with a wet forecast, the hillwalkers were still able to explore, as they headed to walk the paths at Dun Coilich. As the hillwalking group has expanded, having a minibus that carries everyone ensures only one vehicle is needed. Today we were using the 14-seater Peugeot.

Thank-you to all our supporters, who help keep our minibuses on the road.