Strike action suspended for talks

A bus workers strike planned for Monday in the north of Scotland has been suspended to allow further talks to take place.

The previous two strikes - the most recent held on Friday - disrupted a number of school bus services in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

The dispute is over levels of pay at Stagecoach Bluebird, with union members seeking a near 10% increase.

The company said it had awarded all of its 650 drivers a 4.5% rise.

A spokesman for Stagecoach Bluebird said: "We have agreed with the trade union that its strike action planned for Monday is suspended pending further discussions on Wednesday.

"A a result, all Stagecoach local bus services and school contract services will operate normally."