Bracadale Community Minibus

Focus

The need for a community minibus had long been recognised in the townships of Bracadale in the west of Skye, where public transport is restricted and there is no bus at all in the evening or at weekends. In 1994 members of the community got together as Bracadale Welfare Group to begin fundraising in earnest. The main aim was to provide transport for older and young people so they could participate in social activities, but it was recognised that the whole community would benefit.

Achievements

Tips

Volunteer drivers

Hiring the Minibus

Achievements

By 1996 the group was able to purchase a 16-seat minibus with the capacity to carry one wheelchair passenger with grants received from SALE, The Robertson Trust, TSB Foundation, and smaller donations from various private trusts and charities.

The following year Bracadale Community Minibus Group was formally constituted and registered as a charity. A voluntary committee was responsible for keeping the project going including bookings, maintenance, and recruiting new drivers. The bus was mainly used by three primary schools and local pensioners' clubs, including the monthly shopping run co-ordinated by Minginish Community Council and previously operated by Skye Old People's Welfare. A host of other activity and interest groups from linedancing to toddlers to National Mod participants were also able to meet and enjoy outings due to their new-found mobility.

Even with the minibus on the road, fundraising in the community continued, partly to cover running and maintenance costs, and partly with a view to replacing the bus when necessary. We have benefited particularly from Talisker Distillery, a major employer in our area. The proceeds of events organised by Distillery employees were matched by its parent company, the Diageo Foundation, through their Double Your Fundraising Scheme. They also sponsored the minibus group through their Local Citizens Fund.

As the first minibus reached its fifth year, applications were successfully made to the Community Fund, Lloyds TSB, SALE and North British Hotels Fund, and as a result, in 2002, the group was able to buy a new 15-seat accessible minibus. The new vehicle didn't simply replace the old bus; with facilities for up to five wheelchairs it allows for an extension of usage by disability groups, and it is now available to all community groups in Skye and Lochalsh.

Volunteer drivers

Hiring the Minibus

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Tips from the Committee

• We found the most effective way of fundraising to be organising large events such as the annual sheepdog trials held at Drynoch, midsummer barn dances and winter curry / quiz nights. Although these involved a lot of work and time from individual group members, they were always well supported by local people and visitors, and by Skye businesses in the form of donated raffle prizes.  
• When buying a minibus find out where you will have to take it for servicing; similarly with the onboard accessible equipment. Being able to do this locally would be a big advantage.  
• We try to keep a pool of volunteer drivers for our local priority groups e.g. the schools and pensioners. Other groups supply their own drivers. When recruiting new drivers we ask for a photocopy of their driving licence and keep this for insurance purposes. It is an advantage to have drivers who possess an advanced driving certificate or a Highland Council driving certificate. Interested in becoming a volunteer driver?
• In the past our drivers underwent MIDAS training (Minibus Drivers' Awareness Scheme which was organised by S&L CVO). Although this scheme no longer operates in Skye and Lochalsh, we try to ensure all new volunteers take a spin with a regular driver to become familiarised with the minibus and receive a demonstration of using the wheelchair lift.  
• We have appointed a committee member to take bookings, and it is convenient for the group and minibus users if the same person is responsible for the keys, and if they are kept close to where the bus is parked. Hiring the Minibus.
• We prefer to keep usage free for older people, young people and people with disabilities, but donations are always welcome. Other groups are charged 35 pence per mile.  
• All users are asked to replace the diesel they have used and to record any faults or damage on the log sheets provided in the minibus. 
•  We have appointed a committee member to keep a regular check on the condition of the minibus so that problems can be dealt with quickly. 
• It is a good idea to display your AA membership number and insurance cover details prominently in the minibus in case of emergency. Include a group contact name and phone number, as minibus users who are not from your local area may not know any of your committee members.

Volunteer Drivers

We would always welcome new volunteer drivers who could do an occassional day time run for the pensioners or school. For more information please contact Danny MacLeod 01478 640359.

 Hiring the Minibus

Any community or social group who wish to use the minibus should contact Danny MacLeod for bookings.

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