A family-run Perthshire coach business that has operated for more than half a century is to close at the end of the month.
Earnside Coaches was founded by Stewart Rutherford in the late-1960s.
Its first base was at Bridge of Earn, hence the name, before moving to its current base in Glenfarg.
David Rutherford was the second generation of the family to run the firm and his son Gary is the current boss.
Reasons for closing Perthshire coach firm
Gary explained why, after over 50 years of operating, he has decided to close the Perthshire business.
Gary said he had been mulling over the decision for some time, particularly with a number of the firm’s authority contracts due for renewal soon.
“The tender process started just before Christmas,” he said.
“Half our vehicles are committed to school runs and I was worried if we re-tendered, how we would manage.
“We’ve had a big increase in costs over the past year or so, and I was quite concerned if I put in a realistic increase. I wasn’t sure we’d win the contract.
“That was one of the biggest concerns.
“The other was staffing levels – particularly coach drivers. It’s not a 9 to 5 job. Covid has realigned people’s work/life balance, including myself.
“I’ve got my own family and with it being a family business, I am involved at all hours of the day.”
“It was a very difficult decision. I’ve been directly involved for 20 years but I was around the business growing up.
“We’ve been in Glenfarg for 53 years, so it is tough, but a few things lined up at the right time. It was the right decision.”
Gary said selling the business was not an option he considered.
He added: “I didn’t like the idea of seeing someone else drive around with our name on the coaches.
“We felt it was better to have a clean break.”
‘It has been emotional’, boss says
Mr Rutherford said seeing the fleet of coaches leave the Earnside Coaches depot at Glenfarg has been emotional.
He also said it was difficult breaking the news to long-standing customers, some of which have used Earnside Coaches for decades.
“Those conversations were tough,” he said.
“We wanted to give them plenty of notice so they could make alternative arrangements. It was the same with the 15 staff, but it was difficult.
“It is emotional because we’re a small family business. We are all emotionally invested in it. It’s not a job, it’s been a way of life.”
Once Earnside Coaches ceases trading, David and wife Fiona plan to retire.
Gary – who gave up a career in pharmaceuticals to work for the family firm – is unsure what his plans are.
“Mum and dad plan to retire – it’s well deserved and long overdue.
“I don’t know what the future holds, or whether I’ll stay in the industry. Even once we’re shut it’ll take some time to wind things down.
“We’ll still have the premises and we’ve no plans to do anything with it.
“I’m not going to rush into anything.”
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