 Munro's History
The history of Munro's of Jedburgh goes back
almost 40 years to the mid 1960s when Jimmy Munro
expanded his hire-car business and began coach operation. Over the years the
business grew
progressively, concentrating mainly on Works and Schools Contracts in the
County of Roxburghshire.
In 1992 in a joint operation with Austin's of Earlston
the tender to operate the Border Courier
service was won for a 5 year
period. The only other venture into local bus service operation
was a Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only service linking the Border General
Hospital
with Lilliesleaf and Hawick. By 1998 Jimmy had an eye on retirement and, as the family
did not want to continue in the business, Munro's of Jedburgh was put up for sale.
On 1st July 1998
the business was sold to Ewan
Farish and Donald Cameron. Previously Area Managers with First Group, Ewan
and Donald each had almost 30 years experience in the bus industry. The
business consisted of a small garage workshop, yard and 8 vehicles, (3 coaches, 3 midicoaches and 2 minicoaches. The work
consisted of 5 School Contracts, 1 Works Contract and the Wednesday, Friday,
Saturday bus service. One person was employed full time as a
driver/mechanic, and 3 part time drivers were also employed.
Keen to expand the business, the Partners successfully
tendered for additional School Contracts. The Private Hire side was also
expanded including contracts for transporting local rugby teams.
Major expansion occurred however in July 2000 when
contracts to operate the 29/30 (now 51/52) Jedburgh and Kelso to Edinburgh, and the
65-68 Jedburgh and Kelso to Galashiels services were won. Seven new buses
were needed for this seven days a week operation with a requirement for 12
additional drivers.
Rapid growth continued over the next two years with major
successes in tendering for additional local bus routes. Contracts gained
included service 131 Edinburgh to Newcastle, service 20 Hawick to Jedburgh
and Kelso, service 81 Kelso to Yetholm and Morebattle (circular), and the
Border Courier services. New vehicles were again specified on most of these
contracts.
Following depot closures in Hawick and Kelso by First
Group, August 2002 saw the start of the first commercially operated services
with the introduction of a network of Town Services in Hawick. These were
soon followed by a Galashiels Town Service (Meigle Street), and the Kelso
Town Service.
Munro's reputation for good service and reliability have
helped the rapid growth of the Private Hire side of the business. Munro's
now provide team transport for most of the Border senior rugby teams as well
as numerous junior rugby clubs. Coaches are also supplied for weddings,
theatre trips, social outings etc.
Following the rapid growth of the previous years, 2003
was a period of consolidation. The Company became incorporated as a limited
Company in 2004.
Scottish Borders Council secured funding from the
Scottish Executive under the Rural Bus Development Grant and after a long
and protracted Tendering round, Munro's have secured the contract to operate
the enhanced services from Jedburgh and Kelso to Edinburgh and Galashiels,
new direct links from Galashiels to Lauder, and services from Galashiels to
Jedburgh and Berwick via Kelso.
A new contract to operate services between Dalkeith and
Musselburgh in conjunction with Midlothian Council commenced in January 2006.
Two new Plaxton Primo vehicles have been acquired for this service, the
first of the type in Scotland.
The current fleet now stands at 40 vehicles and there are over 60 employees
Head Office Address:
Munro's of Jedburgh Oakvale Garage
Bongate Jedburgh TD8 6DU
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