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Residents benefiting from Community Minibus Transfer scheme

A Perth-based charity is supporting residents across the city after taking ownership of a former Perth and Kinross Council minibus.

The Royal Voluntary Service runs a range of activities to support residents.

It was one of the first charities to receive a former Perth and Kinross Council minibus under the new Community Minibus Transfer Scheme, which sees buses that have come to the end of their working life with the local authority donated to charities.

Each minibus comes with a minimum six-month MOT and full inspection report.

David Reilly, service manager with the RVS, said the minibus makes it easier to support people in the community.

The charity received its bus in April and has been able to ramp up the number of activities it offers since then.

As well as transporting people to lunch and social clubs, the minibus also allows the charity to arrange outings for its clients, such as residents of Strathmore and Isla sheltered housing complexes.

He said: "We can now offer a transport solution to our four lunch clubs and social club. This is allowing us to increase the number of people attending.

"In addition, we have planned in excursions for the remainder of the year. More volunteers are coming forward to offer driving support and the ads on the minibus are helping to let people know the good work we are doing.

"We are also visiting all 12 sheltered housing complexes in the Perth and Kinross area to get them involved in team events where transport is offered plus day trips as well."

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Eric Drysdale said: "It is great to hear the difference the Community Minibus Transfer Scheme is making to the lives of people in Perth and Kinross."

"We hoped charities and sports groups would be able to make good use of these vehicles and it is clear the impact is even greater than we hoped!
"Eight charities have received former minibuses so far and we have another four minibuses we expect to reach the end of their working life this financial year, which we hope will deliver similar benefits to even more charities and sports groups."

The first charities to receive minibuses were the RVS, Perthshire Welfare Society and Mantalk.

In June, Your North Muirton, Fossoway Community Development Trust and Coupar Angus Community Transport Group received the next tranche of minibuses. Crieff Juniors Football Club and 1st Kinross Boys Brigade and Girls Association collected their minibuses on Monday 29 September.

Applications are now open for the next round of minibus transfers.

Interested groups can apply online through the Community Minibus transfer page.

Last modified on 03 October 2025

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