Thursday February 26th 2026
Service number 266 is to be replaced
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Rural bus services in the Borders and into Northumberland will be just the ticket with the launch of new transport links next week.
Two new cross‑border bus services to become operational from Monday, March 2, have been warmly welcomed.
Delivered jointly by Scottish Borders Council and Northumberland County Council, the two new services 34 and 34A replace the current 34 service (Duns – Coldstream) and 266 service (Wooler – Berwick-upon-Tweed) routes, bringing improved travel options for rural communities on both sides of the Border.
The changes made to services will now mean that Service 34 will run between Duns and Kelso via Coldstream, with four journeys on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Service 34A will run between Wooler and Kelso via Coldstream, with four journeys on Tuesdays and Thursdays increasing to six on Saturdays.
The joint initiative will enhance transport links for residents in Duns, Wooler, Coldstream, Kelso, and surrounding communities.
Both routes will connect with Borders Bus service 67 in Coldstream and Kelso, providing onward travel opportunities to Berwick-upon-Tweed and Galashiels, as well as access to Coldstream Health Centre.
Both councils have welcomed the development as a practical example of cross-border co-operation, with officers bringing together resources and planning to deliver sustainable transport and real benefits for local people.
Liberal Democrat councillor Euan Robson, who represents Kelso and District on Scottish Borders Council, has welcomed the cross-border initiative to reshape bus services which will better connect eastern and central Borders with north Northumberland.
He said: “The newly designed 34 and 34A services will provide much better connections between Duns, Coldstream , Kelso and Wooler and also create onward links to Galashiels and Berwick.
“I am particularly pleased that some of the smaller villages and communities will also benefit. I think that these extra services will be welcomed by residents south of the Tweed in places like Sprouston.
“I would express my appreciation of the efforts of both Scottish Borders Council’s and Northumberland County Council’s officers who have worked hard to bring this about. It’s now over to local communities to make use of the new transport offers.”
Councillor Jenny Linehan, SBC’s executive member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport, added: “We are delighted to be launching these new bus services in our communities.
“Not only will they enhance transport links for residents in this area but will also provide onward travel opportunities for those who live or work in the area, as well as those visiting.”
Information on bus service timetables can be found on the council website: Bus Service – Timetables | Scottish Borders Council.
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