Supporting Community Connections with the Portlethen Community Bus

At Places for People, we’re passionate about supporting the incredible work of local organisations that make a real difference in the lives of our Communities. One inspiring example is the Portlethen Community Bus, a true lifeline for elderly and disabled residents at Landale Court in our Chapelton development.

This vital service helps people get to medical appointments, join Community groups, and enjoy social outings – all things that contribute to a happier, more independent life. That’s why earlier this year, we were thrilled to provide £3,500 toward the cost of a new vehicle, proudly contributing an essential 15% of the total cost.

The new bus – affectionately nicknamed the “Wee Blue Bus” – was unveiled at a special Open Day in April 2024, hosted at the Portlethen Medical Centre. The event was a celebration of teamwork, bringing together representatives from supporting organisations and shining a light on the collective effort it took to make this project a reality.
Since its launch, the Wee Blue Bus has made a huge impact. Over 900 people have already benefitted, with 70 regular passengers relying on it for their daily needs.

Helen, one of its passengers, shared her experience:

This life-changing service wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the charity’s amazing volunteers. Their hard work has earned well-deserved recognition, including praise from local MSP Liam Kerr and a feature in the Community Transport Association’s initiatives. These acknowledgments remind us how crucial accessible transport is for fostering independence and creating strong Community connections.

At Places for People, we’re proud to stand by our People Promise: we put people first, every single day. Supporting the Portlethen Community Bus is just one way we’re ensuring our Communities stay connected and that no one feels left behind. Together, we’re building a better, more inclusive future – one journey at a time.