Active youth engagement ‘AYE Bus’ launches in Elgin
An innovative double-decker bus designed to connect with young people has officially launched today (Thursday 6 November) marking a key milestone in the Elgin Regeneration Plan.
The Active Youth Engagement (AYE) Bus is designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people; delivering early intervention and tailored support services aimed at building trust and helping to build positive behaviours.
A team of Action for Children youth workers will oversee the bus and its activities; offering advice, signposting services and safeguarding vulnerable young people.
The bus itself - donated and refitted by Stagecoach based on input from local young people - features DJ decks, games consoles, and creative spaces including arts and crafts.
The AYE Bus is a key initiative highlighted in the Elgin Regeneration Plan, which is part of the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme (formerly the Long-Term Plan for Towns and the Plan for Neighbourhoods). In September 2023, Elgin was selected to receive £20 million in endowment-style funding over 10 years, starting from 2026/27. Early funding has been made available to help launch the AYE Bus sooner. The project is being delivered in partnership between Moray Council, Elgin Neighbourhood Board, Action for Children, Stagecoach, Police Scotland and Moray Pathways.
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson - who cut the ribbon to officially open the bus - said: “The launch of the AYE Bus marks a significant moment for youth support and regeneration in Elgin. It’s a collaborative effort that puts young people at the heart of the conversation; offering them not only a safe space, but the tools and trust to thrive. I'm proud to see this partnership delivering such a forward-thinking project for our community.”
Jenny Urquhart, Chair of the Elgin Neighbourhood Board, added: “This is about listening to young people and giving them something meaningful - not just a service, but a place they can shape and call their own. The AYE Bus is a practical, mobile and inclusive model for youth support in Moray.”
Martin Robertson, children’s services manager at Action for Children and the lead on this project, added: “We’re delighted to be leading this partnership as well as receiving such positive support by local partners to make the AYE Bus project a reality. It’s a great example of using new innovative ways to respond to the tailored local needs of young people.
“Action for Children are passionate about ensuring young people have the right support at the right time, so I’m pleased to see this practical solution to early intervention.”
David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, said: “We’re proud to play our part in bringing the AYE Bus to life; an inclusive space designed to support and inspire young people across Elgin.
“It is fantastic to see one of our buses being repurposed to make a real difference at the heart of the community. Initiatives like this show how resources can be transformed to deliver lasting social value and help create safer, more connected places for young people to thrive.”
Chief Inspector Mike McKenzie said: "We are proud to support this partnership, which brings the community together to create safer, stronger connections with our young people.
"The AYE bus is a positive step forwards engaging with young people, where they are provided support, opportunities and a safe space to connect.
"The initiative reflects our shared commitment to prevention, inclusion and building trust across our community."