| Since 2003, the Red Cross transport and escort service has provided a lifeline to people on Arran who have difficulty using public transport by providing a free door-to-door service allowing them to attend medical appointments.
The new funding from SPT will be used to increase service delivery, recruit and train additional volunteers, and engage with local voluntary health-related groups to share knowledge and resources.
Valuable role
Chair of SPT Councillor Alistair Watson said: “This project plays a valuable role within its local community. It helps provide accessible transport to healthcare for those who find it difficult to use mainstream services or who may otherwise be left without public transport.
“I’m delighted that we are able to fund the project and I have no doubt that this is money well spent. We have a duty to support community transport schemes and this one for North Ayrshire and Arran is certainly very deserving of that support.”
Since the start of the transport service in 2003, Red Cross volunteers have helped people make over 10,000 journeys, the majority starting and finishing on the Isle of Arran. For many users, this has provided the most practical and easiest means of getting to hospital appointments on the mainland.
Find out more about the transport service
Become a transport service volunteer
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport website | 
