Anger is mounting over plans to axe a “lifeline” morning bus service from Inverness to the far north.
Stagecoach recently issued a raft of proposed timetable changes across the Highlands which will come into effect from January 9.
But locals in East Sutherland have complained about plans to scrap the X99 9.30am journey from Inverness to Thurso and Scrabster.
It would mean the next service north from Inverness would not leave the Highland capital until midday.
A Stagecoach spokeswoman said that the company’s proposals were the result of a usage review of current services and punctuality levels, as well as some contract awards for council supported services.
She added that this was the first time in several years that the bus operator has run a public consultation.
As well as an online consultation launched 10 days ago, three events in Inverness and one in Invergordon were held this week.
But several residents in the far north contacted East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Deirdre Mackay to complain, highlighting that they rely on the X99 service for doing their shopping or making hospital appointments in Golspie.
Some also complained about existing issues such as buses being frequently delayed or too full when they try to pre-book tickets online.
Councillor Mackay stressed that transport was a “priority issue” in her ward, adding: “There are many, many older people who are going to be impacted. It’s a commercial operation, we know that, however buses are a lifeline service and our transport provision is already very poor and getting worse year on year.
“Five years ago there were eight services a day and now this has been reduced to three – that’s the extent of it. The service has literally been decimated over the past five years to the detriment of local people in local communities and it’s simply unacceptable for Stagecoach that this has slipped through with no consultation in Sutherland.
“I think Stagecoach must extend their consultation period and must have a consultation in Sutherland.”
A Stagecoach spokeswoman said: “From the consultation and attendance at bus user meetings we are pleased to have received over 100 responses from the local communities we provide services to. We are analysing these responses and reviewing our proposals in light of this as we finalise our plans for the bus network in the Highlands that will begin operation on January 9.
“Full details of our services from January 9, 2017 will be available on our website by December 19.”