THOUSANDS of young people from the Wee County are set to benefit from free bus travel following measures approved in the Scottish Government budget.

Based on National Records of Scotland figures, it is estimated that more than 8,000 will benefit from a concessionary scheme, which will provide free bus travel to under 18s.

Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell hailed the deal struck by the party, with measures due to come into place from 2021.

He said: “Free bus travel for young people is a transformational step towards tackling the climate emergency. This scheme could save young people and families thousands of pounds a year, and encourage whole generations of public transport users.

“Buses are the backbone of local public transport and the key to employment and training opportunities for so many of those starting out in life. This will be a huge help to young people in Clackmannanshire who are often forced to spend a disproportionate amount of their wages travelling to work.”

Clacks SNP MSP Keith Brown welcomed the "radical and innovative approach" to promote the use of public transport, which will be instrumental in efforts to tackle climate change.

He said: "Encouraging the use of public transport is an essential part of our world-leading efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

"Concessionary travel has brought enormous benefits to those aged over 60 and I'm delighted that it will now be extended to young people."

In a wider sense, the Wee County could become an important hub to drive policy forward and tackle climate change with the city deal signed last week as it includes an international environment centre, to be built in Alloa.