AN INVESTIGATION was carried out by a bus company yesterday after complaints of drug-taking and drinking on coaches from Dundee to the Scottish Cup Final at the weekend.

Strathtay Scottish Omnibuses received a number of complaints about the behaviour of Dundee United fans travelling to Hampden.

Each driver is to be interviewed by management and CCTV footage from the buses is to be reviewed.

Operations director George Devine said yesterday a full investigation was under way and anything untoward would be reported to the police.

One female United fan who travelled with her two children said the behaviour on board her bus had beggared belief.

The woman—who asked not to be named—made a formal complaint to Strathtay Scottish.

She said, “When we booked we received an information slip saying bags would be checked and there would be no alcohol allowed on the bus.

“The bus I was on was very loud and there were people drinking, smoking and swearing.

“The bus left at 11.30 am and we didn’t get into the ground until 3.25 pm because we were stuck for an hour in traffic in Glasgow.

“The kids were really disappointed they missed the first half hour of the game. It was a big occasion for them as it was their first time at Hampden.

“I am certainly not happy with the service they (Strathtay) provided. I have been on the phone to them this morning and they are looking in to it.”

Steve Forster, who travelled with his 12-year-old son Lloyd, was also unhappy.

He said, “We were due to leave Dundee at 11.30 am but didn’t end up leaving until 11.45. My information slip said that it would be a non-stop journey to Glasgow but the bus stopped four times for people to get off for a smoke. We even stopped once in Glasgow, which made us all very anxious as it was becoming obvious that we were going to miss the start of the match.

“We became stuck in the Glasgow traffic and time was pushing on so a lot of the people on our bus got off. My son and I ended up jogging about two miles to catch a taxi to get us to Hampden in time.”

Mr Devine said a meeting to discuss the problems was held yesterday. Anyone who registered a complaint would receive a formal written reply.

He said, “We have had some complaints about people drinking and smoking and we’ve had one complaint about drugs being smoked on a bus.

“All our buses are fitted with CCTV and we will be viewing that CCTV over the next few days and if there are any cases to answer then obviously the police will be advised. Every driver will be interviewed and the CCTV will be viewed and if there is anything to report it will be reported to the police.”

Mr Devine also apologised to any fans who were late for the match but said traffic delays in Glasgow were not the fault of Strathtay Scottish.

Strathclyde Police said 46 arrests were made before and during the match. Forty-two of those arrested were said to have United connections.

Tangerines chairman Eddie Thompson has vowed to ban from Tannadice anyone convicted of an offence.