CORONAVIRUS, self-isolation and a driver shortage have forced Borders Buses to strip back its services – impacting Peeblesshire routes.

Many journeys across the region have been cancelled over the past few weeks despite all licensed staff at the firm, including senior management, getting behind the wheel.

The operator – which recently had 11 drivers off at once with the virus – said it is facing “massive” staffing issues.

Due to the problems, adjustments have been made to a number of timetables, including the X62’s.

The service is now operating on an hourly basis from Peebles to Edinburgh, instead of half-hourly.

Double deckers are being used to ensure that all passengers are able to get on, according to a Borders Buses spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the firm understands the frustration “but we have no alternative”.

As well as the X62, timing changes have been announced to the Peebles town; 91 and 93 services.

The timetable adjustments – which came into effect on Monday – could be in place until June 26.

On Thursday, two 93 (Peebles to West Linton) services were cancelled.

As well as coronavirus-related issues, Borders Buses says it is facing a “major” recruitment problem, with fears mounting that there will not be enough drivers to meet demand.

And calls have been made for the position to be added to the UK Government’s shortage occupation list, which would make it easier for employers to offer jobs to migrants.

Borders Buses said this would quickly alleviate the problem due to the number of EU national ex-drivers who did not secure settlement status and are keen to return.

Sharon Morrison from West Coast Motors, the company that owns Borders Buses, said: “Until this industry crisis is addressed, we expect recruitment to remain a major issue in our service delivery and potentially limit our hopes to increase bus journeys to meet not only the requirements of current customers but the new demand for those under the age of 22 now eligible for free bus travel.”

Tweeddale MSP Christine Grahame, of the SNP, said the driver shortage is a “very tangible example of the impact Brexit is having”.

“I know how frustrating it is for my constituents to find their bus journey has been cancelled, this has real consequences for many,” said Ms Grahame. “However having spoken to Borders Buses it’s clear they are doing all they can – they simply cannot recruit enough drivers to meet demand.

“The fact is there are qualified, experienced drivers in other countries who are keen to return to Scotland to resume their employment but can’t because of the UK Government’s immigration policies. This is a very tangible example of the impact Brexit is having.”

She added: “A system that denies entry to those who have employment lined up, in an industry in dire need of them, is clearly not fit for purpose and the UK Government must look to address this as a matter of urgency.”

In response to the comments, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Our points-based immigration system is delivering on the people’s priorities of getting businesses to invest in the domestic workforce while attracting those with the skills we need from around the world, not just the European Union.

“We have broadened the eligibility requirements of skilled worker visas and lowered the salary threshold, which the independent migration advisory committee (MAC) modelling suggests strikes a reasonable balance between controlling immigration and business access to labour.”

They added: “We want to see employers make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad.”