Councillor Ian Mollison this week welcomed the news that two late night bus services from Aberdeen are to continue on to Newtonhill rather than terminating at Portlethen.

The announcement from Stagecoach comes after pressure from residents.

Councillor Mollison said: “When Stagecoach recently reintroduced the Nightbird service at weekends there was dismay in Newtonhill that only one of the three services would continue beyond Portlethen.

“The issue was raised with the company directly and at the Kincardine and Mearns Bus Forum. They promised to look again at the timings to see if it were possible to fit in the extra leg. I am pleased that they have been able to respond positively. Hopefully Newtonhill passengers will now make use of the service.”

The change to the N7 Nightbird service takes place on 7 July when the 00:40 and 01:40 (early Saturday and Sunday) from Aberdeen to Portlethen will be extended to the Skateraw Road shops in Newtonhill.

One consequence however is that the 01:06 and 02:06 buses (early Saturday and Sunday) from Portlethen back to Aberdeen will no longer run. Any passengers wishing to go from Portlethen to Aberdeen can travel on the extended journey to Newtonhill which will return to Aberdeen at 01:09 and 02:09 directly via the A90.

A third Nightbird leaves Aberdeen at 02:40 and continues on to Stonehaven.