YOUNG people in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to make sure they’re ready to take advantage of a free bus travel scheme being introduced later this month.

Free bus travel across Scotland will be extended to everyone under the age of 22 from January 31 – but an entitlement card is required to make use of the scheme.

Applications opened on Monday, but due to the pandemic, the Scottish Government is asking that only young people with an essential need to travel – for work, education, health or care reasons for example – apply at this time.

Children and young people aged between five and 21 will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to make use of the scheme, as previously issued cards will not be permitted.

Applications can be submitted online at getyournec.scot. A parent or guardian must apply on behalf of children aged between five and 15, but if you’re aged 16-21 you must apply for a new NEC yourself.

The cards will only have a photo if the holder is aged 11 or above.

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