Strike disrupts school bus travel

School bus services for thousands of pupils across Aberdeenshire and the Highlands have been hit by industrial action by bus drivers.

The Stagecoach dispute is over pay. Previous days of action have disrupted some local services.

Aberdeenshire Council has a list of affected school bus services on its website, while Highland Council said it had notified parents of any impact.

Further industrial action is planned for Monday.

Talks have previously broken down between the company and the Unite union, which included an offer from Stagecoach of a near 10% pay increase.

Earlier strikes were suspended in October but the threat of industrial action was followed through last week after union members were balloted.

Thousands of school pupils were left without transport and local authorities have urged parents to make alternative travel arrangements.

An estimated total of 27 schools and colleges were affected in Aberdeenshire, and a further 12 schools in the Highlands.