North bus drivers' strike called off after deal reached over pay

Highland bus drivers will not go on strike over pay after reaching a deal with their employers, it emerged yesterday.

Workers at Highland Country Bus and Orkney Coaches, both run by Rapsons, were balloted on a deal reached in last minute talks earlier this week.

Union leaders described the vote as "reluctant acceptance" of the revised pay and conditions.

Highland Country Bus staff voted in favour of the deal by 71 to 49 and Orkney Coaches staff by 11 to six.

If they had voted against they would have gone on strike today.

Highland Council is one...