More than half of West Dunbartonshire pupils have applied for free bus travel, according to new statistics – giving the area the second highest uptake in Scotland.

Latest figures show 51 per cent of pupils have the free bus pass, which offers anyone under the age of 22 free travel throughout Scotland.

The scheme is open to children and young people aged from 5-21 with a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC. 

Opposition MSPs recently hit out at the Scottish Government over the low uptake of the scheme, which was introduced at the end of January, while people were still being urged not to go on non-essential journeys because of Omicron case numbers.

Councillor Clare Steel, the authority’s new chair of educational services, said: “I am pleased to see the high uptake of this initiative which will be a great benefit to our families. 

“I would encourage anyone entitled to this initiative to apply for a card through our schools where we have staff ready to help anyone fill out their application.”

Transport Scotland’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app allows people aged 16-21 to add free bus travel on to their existing national entitlement card (NEC) or Young Scot card without having to apply for a replacement. 

Parental permission is required for children under the age of 16.