Moray businesses hop on board #OnYourBusStop campaign

A campaign to promote businesses in Moray and Speyside has been launched by Stagecoach Bluebird and Moray Council with support from Moray’s Food and Drink Ambassador, Ghillie Basan.

Incentivising the people of Moray to utilise local bus services to explore the area, #OnYourBusStop Moray has gathered support from businesses across the region to form a directory of partner offers, deals and discounts, exclusively for Stagecoach bus users, ranging from free coffee to experience discounts of up to 50% off.

Running throughout September across the region, a diverse range of partners have already signed up with enticing offers including Brodie Castle; The Re:Store; Elgin Museum; The Humble Burger Co; Blue Coast Surf & Paddle; Moray Art Centre; Younger Day Spa; Cullen Sea School; IT Central and Purple Nightclub.

By highlighting the abundance of activities, experiences and places accessible by bus throughout Moray, the campaign encourages individuals and families to explore the local area while benefiting from the exclusive #OnYourBusStop offers and capitalising on the advantages of bus travel from affordability to environmental benefits.

Free to sign up, partnering businesses are listed on the campaign’s website, which is being advertised through a multi-channel campaign including print, bus wrap, broadcast and paid social. Partners will also benefit from exposure to several well-established databases including supporting association, Visit Moray Speyside.

Daniel Laird, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Bluebird said: "We have already welcomed over 20 partners on board the campaign and look forward to seeing many more local businesses joining the initiative as we encourage people to explore more from their bus stop. It’s free to become a partner, all we ask is that you offer an incentive for bus users to visit you. Perhaps you want to offer a secret menu item, or a unique addition for those utilising the scheme. The more unusual the better, so feel free to be creative. We know how hard it is for small businesses right now so we hope this will provide you with an opportunity to promote your business for free."

#OnYourBusStop offers will be available to claim until the end of September. To redeem offers, bus users must show a valid ticket purchased on the day of claim or provide proof of online purchase for tickets bought online or through the Stagecoach app.

Donald MacRae, Public Transport Manager for Moray Council said: “While the campaign highlights lots of the fantastic activities and experiences available here in Moray, we are also encouraging individuals and families to consider the benefits of bus travel for their everyday needs, from commuting to shopping and running errands.

“Catching the bus offers an accessible solution for everyone, not just non-drivers, as well as safety, comfort and affordability. In the current climate, with fuel prices soaring, your local bus offers an affordable and environmentally friendly option. Currently, all young people aged between 5 and 21 living in Scotland can apply to join the Young Person’s free bus Travel Scheme, and we would encourage all young people aged under 22’s to join up.

“We all look forward to seeing the over 60’s concession card holders returning to public transport and benefiting from our partner offers as their confidence in both safety and hygiene of public transport grows and Covid concerns ease.”

Local author, broadcaster and food anthropologist Ghillie Basan is working in partnership with Moray Council and Stagecoach Bluebird to encourage individuals and businesses to engage with the campaign. As Regional Food Tourism Ambassador for Moray, appointed by Scotland Food and Drink and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Ghillie is working closely with #OnYourBusStop to champion food, drink, hospitality, and tourism businesses and is set to launch an exclusive #OnYourBusStop culinary experience bus route.

Ghillie said: “I’m delighted to be working in partnership with the Moray Council and Stagecoach Bluebird to encourage people to use the buses in Moray as a regular form of transport as well as for a day out. We have so many wonderful food, drink and active tourism experiences to offer within easy access to a bus stop. Not only is it a sustainable way to travel, it is a relaxing and pleasurable one - you can go out for the day in a big group instead of packing everyone into two or three cars; you don’t have to worry about parking and fuel; and you can even enjoy a local gin or dram! Let’s get on the bus to explore Moray and support local businesses.”

Adam El-Naggar, Owner of Blue Coast Surf & Paddle, added, "I'm excited for Blue Coast to be involved in the #OnYourBusStop campaign, making the many exciting activities and businesses available locally accessible in a sustainable way and maybe even encouraging folk to try something new in the sea!"

To search #OnYourBusStop partner deals and offers or to sign your business up as a partner, visit www.onyourbusstopmoray.co.uk.