EFFORTS to stop the removal of a Wee County bus service were voiced in parliament last week as the community rallies to save the service.

Greens MSP Mark Ruskell lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of rural bus services in Scotland as he continues to fight for the X53 bus service.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP championed rural bus services in a Holyrood debate last Wednesday, December 15.

More than 530 people have written to First Bus calling on them to save the service ahead of the roll out of free bus travel for under 22s.

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Ruskell shared stories from his constituents who will be affected by the cancellation of the X53 route, including three generations of the same family who would struggle to support each other with childcare or get to work without the service and a constituent who will be faced with a four mile walk to his nearest bus stop.

Responding on behalf of the Scottish Government, Graeme Dey, minister for transport, accepted that rural bus services appear to be more vulnerable to service cuts and revealed that the relevant local transport authorities are currently exploring what alternatives can be found to prevent the cancellation of the X53.

Mr Ruskell, speaking after the debate, said: "This debate has shown us exactly how important rural bus services are to communities across the whole of Scotland.

"Everyone deserves affordable, reliable and accessible public transport services regardless of where they live.

"But all too often, rural communities are acutely vulnerable to cuts.

"Services like the X53 are lifeline routes that help people access essential services, encourage young people to travel independently, and critically keep polluting private cars off our roads.

"There was resounding support for the X53 in the debate, and I look forward to hearing more from the local transport authorities about ways we can save this essential service.

"I agree with the minister for transport that the current system is not working in the best interests of our communities, and that things need to change, fast.

"The challenges facing the bus companies are stark, but there is no excuse for leaving rural communities behind.

"We need to be doing everything we can to protect lifeline rural routes like the X53, including taking urgent action to resolve workforce issues, and build a resilient bus network in Scotland that keeps everyone connected."