– Portlethen community councillor David Dell called for a bus service to be routed via the soon-to-be-opened Hillside primary school as it is 0.4 miles from the nearest bus stop.

– Portlethen resident Mary Wood received a commitment from Stagecoach to attend a public meeting in the town to discuss local services, under the auspices of the Your Voice group.

– A call from Portlethen resident Dorothy Foreman for a local bus service for the town and the surrounding communities was given little encouragement by either Stagecoach or council officers.

– A request for improved lighting at the park and choose bus stop at Newtonhill flyover is being chased with the developers.

– Stagecoach is looking at some changes to timetables in January.

– Stagecoach has ruled out an Aberdeen-bound service being routed round Berrymuir Road at about 6pm, as it would delay Badentoy workers returning to the city.

– The suitability – or lack of suitability – of the X7 coaches came under scrutiny with many complaints that the entrance steps deterred many people, especially those who are less able-bodied. Stagecoach said the current vehicle was chosen because of the capacity and they do not foresee any changes in the immediate future. The coach could also be carrying a passenger for 2 1/2 hours so had to be suitable for that purpose. However in due course new vehicles would be required and all feedback would be taken on board. Representatives of vehicle manufacturers were in Aberdeen a week last Friday.

– There was a suggestion that X7 southbound buses should not carry passengers wanting to get off in Aberdeen such as at Duthie Park. One person mooted that the first stop X7 passengers could get off is Stonehaven.

– A passenger survey showed that 84% in Kincardine and Mearns were satisfied with the overall service, compared to 80% across Aberdeenshire.

The next meeting will be in March.