A rival operator has confirmed it will run night buses in Glasgow after First Bus announced it was pulling out.

McGill’s will start five night services in and around the city later this month days after First is due to take its buses off the road.

First Bus sparked anger last month when it revealed the 11 services it operated would be axed.

It has now been agreed it will also retain four of its night bus services in the city.

Hospitality bosses and workers said it would hit efforts to encourage trade and recruit and retain staff.

McGill’s will now start five services on August 25.

It has confirmed the following services:

N3 from City Centre to Shawlands, Thornliebank, Nitshill and Pollok.

N4 from City Centre to Shawlands, Eastwood and Newton Mearns.

N6 from City Centre to  Anniesland, Scotstoun and Clydebank.

N38 from City Centre to Ibrox and Paisley.

N60 from City Centre to Maryhill and Drumchapel.

They will run on Fridays and Saturdays between 00:15 and 03:45.

McGill’s added that it intends to build upon its initial provision to extend the service beyond two nights a week in future.

Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Group, said: “Buses are vital to the success of Glasgow and we’ve been striving to find a solution that serves the night-time economy, residents and visitors.

“We’re delighted to be announcing an initial five night-time bus routes that will be run by McGill’s serving the city.

“McGill’s Group has been in discussions with Glasgow businesses to understand the issues they have been facing with transport and we have also deployed our management and staff overnight to the city centre to examine what measures Glasgow City Council could take on roads and streets to help buses deliver a better service for passengers.

"Our intention is to build our night-time services in future and work with the council and businesses to help achieve that.

“There will be a range of ticket options available on night-time services, including discounts for regular users and McGill’s ticket holders, and we will announce more details on that shortly.”

First Bus said the agreement stretches its driver resources as far as it can.

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “Following discussions with business owners and key stakeholders in the city, we are pleased to announce a new collaborative solution alongside McGill’s Group to continue offering a comprehensive night bus network in Glasgow.

“When we first announced the withdrawal of our night bus services, we highlighted the challenges we faced as a business. This solution allows us to continue to operate a night bus service in the face of the current driver shortage.

“It also highlights the importance of the Glasgow Bus Partnership in being agile and the benefits of operators working together to overcome challenges, providing the services needed by the people of Glasgow.

“We understand the need for a wider late-night public transport strategy in Glasgow. Our hope is we will now see action from stakeholders, politicians and other transport modes to support local businesses and provide a way forward for the city’s night-time economy.”

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is really welcome news, for the travelling public, late-night workers and Glasgow's evening economy.

"I'm pleased that two of our biggest bus operators have responded positively to the very real concerns around night bus services.

"Recent weeks have made very clear the importance of late transport in Glasgow and with footfall in the evenings and at weekends  now reported to be around 20% ahead of pre-pandemic levels this new networked will give many Glaswegians the confidence that safe, regular and affordable options for getting home at night are available."