A BUS service between parts of Peeblesshire and Edinburgh faces being axed this summer.

The six-times-a-day service between Dumfries and Edinburgh, which takes in Biggar, West Linton and Carlops will end in August after Scottish Borders Council withdrew its share of the funding.

It is expected a reduced service may be introduced with the continual funding from both Midlothian and Dumfries and Galloway local authorities as well as Strathclyde Passenger Transport.

But the decision by Scottish Borders Council has still incensed South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

He told the Peeblesshire News: “It’s deeply disappointing that at a time we need to encourage people to use our buses, Scottish Borders Council are taking decisions that put this lifeline service at risk.

"Everyone knows that councils are having to make cuts due to the austerity being imposed by both the UK and Scottish Governments but sadly Scottish Borders are once again choosing to inflict their cuts on vulnerable people.

"It is usually those in the remotest areas, the elderly, those on low incomes and young people who rely on buses and often have no access to a car, so they will feel this cut most."

The daily service operates on the 101 route, via Moffat, four times a day and twice on the 102 route, via Thornhill.

The annual cost of operating the service is £390,984 per year, which is split between SWESTRANs members - £113,386 from Dumfries and Galloway Council, Strathclyde Passenger Transport provide £142,318, Scottish Borders Council give £135,280 and Midlothian Council meet the Edinburgh Bus Station departure charges.

Mr Smith added: "Walking away from services that cross into neighbouring authorities, knowing it could mean those services being axed, is hardly an example of working in partnership with your neighbours.

"The provision of this service has been a good example of cross council working over a long period of time so it's disappointing that now looks as if it will be scrapped.

"I will be writing to the Scottish Borders Council leader urging her to reconsider this savage cut.”

Scottish Borders Council admitted it was intending to pull out of the cross-boundary funding agreement.

But officers are looking at providing alternatives.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, spokesman for roads and infrastructure, told us: "The council is carrying out a subsidised bus services review, which is aiming to make required changes - with budgets tighter than ever - while minimising the impact on bus passengers.

“As part of this review, the council has made partners aware that it intends not to continue with its current contribution to the 101/102 service as of August 2018, which stands at £135,000 per year.

“The council is currently considering its options, one of which is to extend the current 93 service from West Linton to Penicuik and create a connection with the X62 service which runs to and from Edinburgh.

"This would ensure travel opportunities are maintained for communities while providing considerable savings for the council.”