Three community groups have been donated minibuses from Perth and Kinross after the vehicles reached the end of their useful life with the local authority.
Last year, the Council agreed a new minibus disposal policy that offers community groups and sports clubs the opportunity to receive one of Perth and Kinross Council's 17 minibuses at the end of their operational service period with the Council.
This is only being offered on these assets based upon their prospective use by community groups.
All the vehicles come with a minimum six-month MOT certificate and inspection report on its condition.
The three groups receiving minibuses on Thursday are the Royal Voluntary Service, Perthshire Welfare Society and Mantalk.
The Royal Voluntary Service will use their minibus to help vulnerable people attend more activities. The minibus will allow them to offer greater support to people who live further away from activities in Perth, Bridge of Earn, Crieff and surrounding villages.
Perthshire Welfare Society will use their minibus to provide travel to those who do not qualify for free bus travel while Blairgowrie-based Mantalk will use theirs to support activities around mental health and wellbeing for men. They will also allow other groups in the Blairgowrie area, such as the local boxing club and over 35s football team, to use the bus.
Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth and Kinross Council said: "We are delighted to see these minibuses being put to such valuable use within our community.
"By supporting groups like the Royal Voluntary Service, Perthshire Welfare Society, and Mantalk, we are helping to ensure that vital services and activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances.
"This fantastic initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community and making best use of our resources."
Councillor Steven Carr added: "When I first discussed the idea of donating PKC minibuses to communities I was told that it would require a complete change of Council policy.
"It's great to see that the enthusiasm to make this positive change has resulted in that permanent policy change and it's great to see the first official handover of minibuses to some excellent community led organisations, and we look forward to hearing about how big a difference having the use of a minibus is making within our communities."
Terry Comiskey, chair of Mantalk said: "This is massive for us. It's going to help open up ways to help people in the community."
Samaira Ali from the Perthshire Welfare Society said: "It will make a massive difference because a lot of people aren't able to go out or can't afford transport.
"This will help people from all communities and I would like to say a massive thank you to Perth and Kinross Council."
David Reilly, service manager with the Royal Voluntary Service, said the organisation's new minibus would help combat social isolation.
He said: "We are absolutely delighted. We support the elderly in Perth and Kinross and organise outings once a year - this will let us do it once a week instead."
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