Largs is very much moving with the times as Shuttle Buses have launched the new electric Sigma 8 vehicle in the town.

Shuttle Buses has taken delivery of its first electric Sigma 8 vehicles from Rochdale-based manufacturer Mellor for its operations in North Ayrshire - with the Largs Local route operating one of them over recent months for greener travel.

The buses are the first Sigmas in Scotland, and capable of carrying 27 seated passengers - and now run on the Largs Local route which runs from Monday to Friday.

The vehicles were part-funded by Transport Scotland under their ScotZEB scheme, with financing from Virgin Money Asset Finance Direct.

As a ground-up electric bus, Sigma has also been engineered for a service life of 15 years and has undergone accelerated testing to ensure durability throughout its time in service.

Ross Granger, managing director of Shuttle Buses, said, “The Sigma 8 has settled down well and we’re achieving 145 miles a day with battery power to spare, even in a Scottish winter.

“Drivers and passengers alike appreciate the ‘big bus’ feel of the Sigma, and we look forward to continuing to partner with Mellor as we move towards an all-electric fleet”.

Morgan Clissett, Bus Division Managing Director at Mellor said: “Shuttle Buses were undoubtedly impressed with the quality, engineering and refinement of the Sigma.”

And local bus driver Gillian Maxwell said she was delighted to see the buses in service - and said: "The wait is over."

The Sigma 8 is pictured on a beautiful day passing Broomfields - a service life of 15 years is expected.

The Largs Local route covers the town centre including Morrisons Supermarket, and links the north side including Laverock Drive and Alexander Avenue to the south side and Walkerston Avenue,from 8.30am till 4.30pm.

The investment in new electric buses for Ayrshire is supported by the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB).

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth praised the move, adding that the bus firm continues to show a commitment to help meet Scotland’s climate change targets.

She said: “Choosing bus is already a fantastic choice for our environment. Zero emission buses offer even more benefits."

The Largs Local timetable can be found at www.bustimes.org/services/40-local-service-largs.