Three community transport organisations in South Lanarkshire are to share more than £101,000 in core grant funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for the 2026-2027 period. The funding aims to support essential journeys to healthcare appointments, shops, and social activities for local residents.
Funding Breakdown
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group (LDVG) will receive up to £64,700 for its core operations and to support MyBus demand-responsive services. Based at Victoria Street in Larkhall, the organisation operates community transport minibuses and runs services including three weekly shopping bus services for older residents in Ashgill, Strutherhill, Birkenshaw, and Hareleeshill, as well as a community car service helping local people with transport to medical appointments.
Blantyre Volunteer Group will receive up to £28,000 towards core operating costs for running its fleet of five minibuses, providing journeys for charities, youth associations, schools, and community groups.
East Kilbride Community Transport (EKCT) will receive up to £16,000 in core funding. The voluntary organisation, which has been running for almost four decades, operates three 16-seater minibuses booked by community groups, schools, and churches for trips and social activities. Group secretary June Harpum told the East Kilbride News earlier this year that the operation costs £5,000 per month, covering ever-increasing fuel and required 10-weekly servicing of its vehicles.
Impact on the Community
SPT chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said: “South Lanarkshire has a network of dedicated community transport volunteers and operators who make a real difference to people’s lives every day. Whether it’s a MyBus journey to a medical appointment in Larkhall or a community trip in East Kilbride, these organisations are connecting people who might otherwise be left isolated; SPT is delighted to support their work.”
Papers for SPT’s operations committee approving the funding for the 19 organisations noted: “Community transport operators deliver essential services, with a particular focus on supporting older people, individuals with disabilities, and those on low incomes. These services facilitate access to key destinations, including healthcare, retail, and social activities, thereby supporting independent living and community participation.”
Broader Context
The three South Lanarkshire groups are among 19 community organisations across the region to benefit from the funding allocation. The papers further stated: “Applications seek funding support towards core operating costs, including driver provision, volunteer expenses, staff salaries, training, vehicle insurance, maintenance, and fuel – without this support, the sector’s ability to deliver essential transport services to local communities would be significantly reduced. Community transport plays a critical role in improving access to goods, services, and facilities across the west of Scotland, particularly for older people, disadvantaged individuals and vulnerable groups.”
