ELECTION 2021: Moray coach firm praised for community support during Covid
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A MORAY coach firm have been praised for their resilience in surviving the Covid lockdowns.
Family-run Mayne's Coaches of Buckie have, like similar firms up and down the country, been hit hard by the stringent restrictions which the pandemic has brought in its wake since last March.
Despite facing an uncertain economic future, the company have nevertheless made themselves available to help support the local community through some of the toughest times brought on by the coronavirus.
Mayne's efforts were praised by Karen Adam, who is contesting the Banffshire and Buchan Coast seat for the SNP, when she paid a socially-distanced visit to the company's March Road depot.
"I was grateful to be able to meet with Kevin and David Mayne of Mayne's Coaches in Buckie," she said.
"Their workplace and fleet are immaculate – when visiting you can really appreciate the pride and care they take to ensure high standards. "Seeing images of coaches and people past and present at Mayne's brought home the message that our local businesses really are an integral part of our communities and quite often our history. Mayne's was one such business that didn’t hesitate to jump in with help and support for residents during lockdown, for example. It came naturally to them although they’re very modest about it!
"The coach industry itself has suffered greatly during lockdown as it relies heavily on tourism, sporting and social events. Talking to Kevin and David I was enlightened and educated on various points – including how the coach industry is very different to the bus industry. It’s been a hard road to navigate through Covid when coaches are a transport category in their own right with unique systems and challenges.
"In dealing with these challenges and the shifting goalposts through the pandemic, Kevin and David have shown initiative and moved into the holiday arena with Maynes Holidays – much like other businesses who have had to adapt and change to keep themselves on track, offering an ongoing service to customers.
"This past year local businesses in general really have stepped up to support and get active with Covid relief – they were invaluable and instrumental in helping their communities. They must be rewarded and supported in turn. They certainly deserve it.
"It was good to be able to chat through the challenges of local issues and industry related problems too. The coach industry is sewn into the social fabric across the country, our wee family company has grown with Buckie and Moray.
"I think sometimes it’s good to look back in time to see where we are now and look forward to where we are heading and what direction we take. Local family company’s have great reputations and relationships, from the farm shop to the fish shop and from your local paper shop to us as a coach company we all have a little bit to do to make our area tick, Covid has shown how vital we all are to our community."
Kevin Mayne, who campaigned vigorously for government aid for coach companies, said he welcomed the opportunity to set out the challenges the firm and the industry as a whole have faced.
He said: "The coach industry has had a tough time like many industries, with nearly every operator stopped and waiting for that green light to start.
"The Scottish Government have been good at working with our industry our trade body and operators. It was good to let Karen see and hear where we are and what challenges we faced and what our industry needs to to do continue on our route and our company's future direction."
Also standing in Banffshire and Buchan Coast are: Jason Duncan (Freedom Alliance); Mark Findlater (Conservative); David McHutchon (Restore Scotland); Alison Simpson (Lib Dems); Georgia Strachan (Labour).
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